Presumably inspired by the song by Dianne Reeves the summit is called "Endangered Species". It has been initiated by former colleagues of mine – Susie Orbach and Luise Eichenbaum - who started The Women’s Therapy Centre in London and the Women’s Therapy Centre Institute in New York City in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
In the more than 40 years since bras were trashed at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City USA, women are no nearer taking control of their own bodies. In fact the situation has become even more dire and all-pervasive as late capitalism seeks to exploit and denigrate our natural bodies to squeeze as much revenue as it can from us in our search for the perfect body. Even men are now included – something that would’ve seemed unthinkable to the Women’s Liberationists of 1968. To quote the organisers: "Body hatred is becoming one of the West’s hidden exports.” If what I am saying speaks to you then read Susie Orbach’s “Bodies” (2009)a prize-winning exploration of these issues.
Events:
The UK part of the summit, which is being held at the Royal Festival Hall on 4th March in London will hopefully be streamed so that it might be possible to watch some of the events.
In New York, it will be at the New School, March 18th and 19th. Click here for more information.
Hi Margaret,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. Very interesting reading about the summit. I am looking forward to reading more. A particular area of concern for me is the sexual images used in pornography and how they filter through to our sense of self.
I miss the feminist debates.
love,
Ruth
Margaret, thanks for deciding to blog. Firstly you write well and secondly you write about all the things that women like me are interested in. I'll be a regular reader!
ReplyDeleteLove
Roslyn
Sally Berry who was there reports:
ReplyDeleteIt was a very exciting day. There were so many groups involved over a wide spectrum
I particularly liked the fact that this was the first of 5 Endangered Species conferences - London, New York, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, and San Paulo. Also present on the day were members of the Womens Therapy Centre Institute from New York and they outlined what they planned to do; also women from Argentina. Each conference specific for it's location.
I was impressed at the level of energy and the number of young women involved. There were many presentations and possibility for discussions as participants were at round tables.