“Masculinity, Whiteness, and the Warrior Hero
Question
In their article “Masculinity, Whiteness, and the Warrior Hero: Perpetuating the Strategic Rhetoric of US Nationalism and the Marginalization of Women” Laura C. Prividera and John W. Howard III, argue that “the continued ideological essentializing of soldiers as “masculine men” calls into question the very legitimacy of the female soldier" (Prividera and Howard, 2006, 2).
Why is intersectionality important for military forces operating in the future operating environment? How does the inclusion of women in the military benefit the military? To address these two larger questions, answer all of the questions in bold. What intersecting factors were at play with the three military women of the 507th Ordinance Maintenance Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom-Jessica Lynch (Caucasian) Shoshona Johnson (African American) and Lori Piestewa (Native American)? How does this article support or contradict concepts about the role of women in nation building? How is military service by women connected (or not) to sex and gendered roles in society? Does military service make women less vulnerable during conflict? Does the “women as victim” concept diminish the role women in conflict?
At the time of Operation Iraqi Freedom, women were excluded from combat. But, in March 2016, then Secretary of Defense Ash Carter approved final plans from military service branches and the U.S. Special Operations Command to open all combat jobs to women, and authorized the military to begin integrating female combat soldiers. In April 2016, Tammy Barnett became the first woman to enlist in the infantry in the U.S. Army. Using at least one method of practicing intersectionality (recognize difference; check your privilege; listen and learn; make space; watch your language; analyze the space you occupy and show up) how can the military better integrate women in the military in the future operating environment? You do not have to have military experience to answer this question. These are people issues. Think about diversity and inclusion in general.
Sample Solution
The three military women of the 507th Ordinance Maintenance Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom - Jessica Lynch (Caucasian), Shoshona Johnson (African American), and Lori Piestewa (Native American) - faced a number of intersecting factors, including:
- Gender: As women in a male-dominated institution, they faced discrimination and sexism.
- Race: Johnson and Piestewa faced racism and discrimination due to their race.
- Nationality: Piestewa faced discrimination as a Native American.
Full Answer Section
These intersecting factors likely exacerbated the challenges they faced during Operation Iraqi Freedom. How does this article support or contradict concepts about the role of women in nation building? The article supports the concept that women can play a vital role in nation building. The authors argue that women can bring unique perspectives and skills to the task of nation building. For example, women are often more likely to build relationships with local communities, which can be essential for success in nation building. How is military service by women connected (or not) to sex and gendered roles in society? Military service by women can challenge traditional sex and gendered roles in society. When women serve in the military, they are demonstrating that they are capable of doing jobs that are traditionally considered to be male-dominated. This can help to break down stereotypes about women and their capabilities. Does military service make women less vulnerable during conflict? Military service does not make women less vulnerable during conflict. In fact, women in the military may be more vulnerable to certain types of violence, such as sexual assault. Does the “women as victim” concept diminish the role women in conflict? The “women as victim” concept can diminish the role of women in conflict. When women are portrayed as victims, it ignores the many ways in which women contribute to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. How can the military better integrate women in the military in the future operating environment? The military can better integrate women in the military in the future operating environment by:- Recognizing difference: The military should recognize that women are not a monolithic group. Women have diverse experiences and perspectives.
- Checking privilege: The military should check its own privilege when it comes to gender. The military should be aware of the ways in which traditional sex and gender roles can disadvantage women.
- Listening and learning: The military should listen to and learn from women. The military should seek out feedback from women on how to improve the integration of women in the military.
- Making space: The military should make space for women in leadership positions. The military should also make sure that there are opportunities for women to develop their careers.
- Watching language: The military should watch its language when it comes to women. The military should avoid using language that is sexist or discriminatory.
- Analyzing the space they occupy and show up: The military should analyze the space it occupies and show up in a way that is inclusive of women. This means creating a culture where women feel respected and valued.
- Providing training on gender sensitivity and unconscious bias: All military personnel should receive training on gender sensitivity and unconscious bias. This training can help to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in the military and the ways in which to mitigate those challenges.
- Creating a culture of support for women: The military should create a culture of support for women. This means ensuring that women have access to mentors and role models, and that they feel comfortable speaking up about any concerns they have.
- Tracking progress: The military should track its progress in integrating women. This will help to identify areas where improvement is needed.