Sex, Power, and Intimacy - 2/28 Henry Wilkinson

In this chapter, the notion of power is examined through how it connects to relationships (romantic and sexual). I found this very interesting since it is something we all face on a daily basis. I started to think about my own family and the relationships that I've been exposed to since birth. My aunt was in a somewhat abusive relationship with her husband, and ultimately they separated and divorced, but as a child I was told that their relationship was natural and to not pay attention to the many ways that it was problematic. I think it's very interesting that we are told to sometimes "suck it up" when we see things that are unjust, like how in school if a boy is mean to a girl she's told to be flattered that he's paying attention to her and not to get her feelings hurt. This teaches girls to put up with boy's bad behavior and it teaches boys that they can act any way they want. This is obviously problematic as these children ultimately grow into adults. Women face similar challenges that they faced as children; if they are sexually harassed, they are told that it's their fault and that they shouldn't have asked for it, while men are praised for "getting it."