“Women Confronting War” by, Jennifer Turpin explores the challenges civilian women encounter during war. Turpin, who now holds an associated faculty position at the European University Center for Peace studies; gives the reader specific facts about the violent acts that occur against women during time of war. While the men are fighting to be heroes, the women are left in the battlefield having to overcome death, rape, and poverty. Turpin uses logical appeal to announce the overlooked victims of war, the women. Women not only fight for freedom but fight each day for their lives and the lives of their children.
Turpin utilizes her knowledge as she captivates her readers with the horrendous statistics of women casualties. When hearing about the casualties of war, women are seldom mentioned, probably because “many people assume that women are unlikely to die in wars, since so few women serve in the armed forces worldwide” (Turpin, pg325). It is difficult not to be lured into story and curious as you read the overwhelming statistics, “While 50 percent of World War II casualties were civilians, in the 1980s this figure rose to 80 percent, and the 1990 it was a staggering 90 percent” (Turpin, pg. 325). It is difficult to believe these overwhelming numbers if Turpin did not prove to be a credible source.
The research unraveled in this story, paints a gloomy picture to the suffering surviving women face. It makes you wonder if survival is the women’s worst demise. Turpins educational tone does not change as she tells the facts of wartime rape. Unfortunately, women were being victimized for being women. Both young and old were raped. Turpin states, “Everyone heard everything, all of the screams” (Turpin, pg. 326). It is not apparent to why rapes occur during war, however, “ethnic cleansing” (Turpin, pg. 326) seems to be just an excuse. After reading the facts, I believe rape occurs during war, because it is tolerated.
Most often forgotten, are the ones who are left behind. It is the women and children that are left to survive with nothing. It was said that, “By the year of 1992 more than 46 million people has lost their home; about 36 million of these were women and children” (Turpin, pg. 325). Refugees are often victimized again by being led into prostitution. Women who are known as the peacemakers are the prey for all crimes against humanity during time of war.
After reading “Women Confronting War”, I am left wondering why the soldiers who are fighting for their country had no way to protect wives and children. Turpin reveals the chilling facts of the many women and children who suffer in our wars. Women are silent victims that were not heard until the story of “Women Confronting War.”
What can be done to prevent violence against women during time of war?
The international community should hold the military of a country more accountable if they commit acts of sexual abuse. It should be made clear that those responsible for their soldiers could also be held accountable in an international war crimes court.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlene,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this well-written analysis. The use of quotes strengthens the writing and is in keeping with Turpin's own approach. How can we look away when confronted with the facts and with such disturbing statistics?
May I point out a small technical point? When including citations MLA style, it's (Turpin 325) and then just (326) in subsequent references. Once you've established Turpin as the author, no need to keep repeating her name in parenthesis. Also note in MLA style, no pg. and no comma.
Thanks for your work on this blog and also the good points you raise in the previous blog. Your grade for Turpin is in the book.