Author: -

Abstract: »Using archival documents from the GLBT Historical Society, Schlesinger Library, and Iowa Women’s Archives, this research argues that Take Back the Night marches during the late 1970s and early 1980s in San Francisco, Cambridge, and Iowa City followed similar patterns: they were motivated by local events, constructed meaning for attendees through similar structural elements, and struggled with the dilution of their messages and goals because of conflict. Existing research does not create concrete understandings of Take Back the Night based on comparisons or research on more than one event and geographic location, instead focusing on the broader feminist anti-violence movement, including potential causes of Take Back the Night, such as developing understandings of rape, increasing awareness of rape, and increasing opposition to violent pornography and media. This research explores how feminist anti-violence motivations manifested in Take Back the Night events in San Francisco, Cambridge, and Iowa City, highlighting these communities’ awareness of local statistics/frequency of attacks, knowledge of publicized trials and crimes (often serial), and organizers’ thoughts on pornography and media. Take Back the Night’s meaning is considered through examination of common elements of testimony and physical reclaiming of space, and how these elements created meaning for attendees. This research also argues that the message and goal of Take Back the Night were diluted by conflicts among organizers and with their surrounding communities, including disagreements about the role of pornography, the exclusion of women of color, and the exclusion of men.« (Source: The Iowa Historical Review)

Contents:

	Abstract (p. 1)
	Introduction (p. 2)
	What is “Take Back the Night?” (p. 7)
	San Francisco (p. 12)
		Motivations (p. 12)
		Meaning (p. 14)
		Conflicts (p. 17)
	Cambridge (p. 18)
		Motivations (p. 18)
		Meaning (p. 20)
		Conflicts (p. 21)
	Iowa City (p. 24)
		Motivations (p. 24)
		Meaning (p. 26)
		Conflicts (p. 27)
	Discussion (p. 33)
	Conclusion (p. 37)
	Bibliography (p. 42)
		Archival Primary Sources (p. 42)
		Other Primary Sources (p. 42)
		Secondary Sources (p. 42)

Wikipedia: History of the Americas: History of the United States / History of the United States (1964–1980), History of the United States (1980–1991) | Feminism: Feminist protests / Take Back the Night (organization) | Sex and the law: Rape / Rape in the United States