Thessaloniki: Smash Patriarchy! Anti-Sexismus -Debatte und Aktion

Smash Patriarchy-Anti-Sexistisches Flugblatt-Uni Thessaloniki
von aktivist - 23.06.2003 19:03

Smash Patriarchy!
Anti-Sexistisches Flugblatt (in englisch) von der Universtaet Thessaloniki
im Zusammenhang mit den Protesten gegen den EU-Gipfel 2003 in Chalkidiki
(Griechenland).

Das anti-sexistische Flugblatt enthaelt zum einen unter dem Titel "Smash
Patriarchy" eine vom gemischten Plenum, 18.6. beschlossene Erklaerung zur
Situation auf dem Campus der Universtaet und zum anderen das Ant-sexistische
Manifesto, ein von Frauen geschriebenes Manifest, das bereits am Dienstag,
den 17.6. auf dem Rockkonzert in der Uni auf der Buehne von Frauen in
englisch und griechisch verlesen worden ist.

Aufgrund der sexuellen Uebergriffe, Grenzueberschreitungen und er
allgemeinen sehr aggressiven Atmosphere auf dem Campus der Universitaet
hatte sich am Dienstag, den 17.6. ein Frauenplenum und dann am 18.6.
Mittwoch ein gemischtes Plenum zusammengefunden, um gemeinsam eine
Handlungsperspektive zu entwickeln und der allgemeinen Stimmung etwas
entgegen zu setzen.
Das Flugblatt mit beiden Erklaerungen wurde in einer Auflage von 400 in
griechischer und englischer Sprache auf dem Campus verteilt.

Falls es irgendwen gaeben wuerde zwecks uebersetzen , waere das super.

ANTI-SEXIST MANIFESTO
of women Squatting the Stage at Thessaloniki anti-authoritarian camp
(diese Version, veraendert am 19.Juni, ist eine leicht modifizierte Fassung
der Ursprungserklaerung vom 17.Juni)

We are here today because we all feel uncomfortable as women and men in this
space

There have been cases of sexual harassment and also, women have been
surpressed or not taken seriously because of their gender

There have been violent muggins and fist fights

In this camp men have sexually insulted women and reduced them to sexual
objects - allthis continues

Additionally, women have not been listened to, not taken seriosly and not
treated as equal persons - even when we tried to point it out from this
stage two nights ago, the response was insulting and disrespectful

Alltogether, the atmosphere in the camp is very masculine-dominated

To our knowledge, this camp is supposed to be anti-authoritarian and
anti-hierachical, but in this camp, the sexism , that exists in society, is
beeeing reproduced

Sexism is aform of oppression, as is racism and homophobia

We will not tolerate masculine oppression within this camp anymore

Smash capitalism - Smash Patriarchy !

SMASH PATRIARCHY

What has happened so far ?
The campus of the university Thessaloniki is a place where people organize
their resistance to protest against the EU-summit.
The atmosphere on the campus is at times very aggressive. This is not only
in regards to sexist behavior but also there is a general atmosphere that is
not always but frequently extremely violent. Political conflicts and
arguments among us, whether it is between individuals or groups, are taken
out in physical confrontations. People scream and shout at each other,
threaten violence or actually beat each other up. This dominates the
atmosphere and creates a certain way of dealing and working with each other.
Also the way discussions take place is very disrespectful. People interrupt
others while they are talking, do not let others finish what they want to
say, shout and do not focus on what has just been said.
In addition the general atmosphere is dominated by machismo. In discussions
men dominate and women are often not taken seriously or are just ignored.
Sexual harassment has taken place. Boundaries and the privacy of women have
not been respected. In this patriarchal reality women can not often find a
safe and protected atmosphere or a place to share and exchange their
experiences of violence and harassment. We also believe that violence and
harassment is happening at the campus here. Other sexual attacks may have
happened but are not made public, so we don't know about them yet.
We also consider the atmosphere at the camp to be very heterosexual and
homophobic.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are a part of the movement but
do not feel fully respected and accepted here.
These are all reasons why women called, on Tuesday, 17.6, for a meeting of
women to discuss and deal with this situation. It was decided to write a
manifesto and to organize a spontaneous action which would express what we
think and feel.
Therefore some women took over the stage during the concert on Tuesday night
to read the manifesto.
This direct action was directed towards the men, who take part in creating a
sexist atmosphere, as well as to all people who came here, to the camp, to
participate in the protest against the EU summit. We wanted to name and
point out the sexist atmosphere in the camp, explain that sexual harassment
and attacks have occurred and we want to make it very clear to everybody
that we, as women, will not accept or take this anymore.
Enough is enough!!!
The reaction of the mainly male audience at the concert was quite diverse:
there were positive reactions such as applause but on the other hand there
were rude and sexist comments. Some people didn't take it seriously at all.
All in all it was a very empowering experience for us. Despite negative
responses, what was most important for us was to become active, raise our
voices and make people aware that sexism exists in the camp.
Our direct action was also recorded and posted on several indymedia sites
where it can be heard.
It has caused a lot of discussions .
A positive outcome of our action was that many people attended our next
mixed meeting of men and women the following day. We had called for a
meeting of men and women because we thought it was tremendously important
that men take part in dealing with sexism. We should work together to
develop a sensitivity and awareness for all kinds of discrimination against
women and others.

We decided to become active in different ways and create four groups:

- A direct action group.

- A anti-harassment - and support point. This will be a place where people can ask for support and where you can come to if you feel discriminated against in any way and problems can be addressed. Open daily from 12-2 pm and in the evening in front of the bar of the theological faculty.

- Banner and poster group to make patriarchal structures visible

- A media group

We hope that through our actions and discussions we can create a more
comfortable atmosphere for everyone.

Real change starts within ourselves!!!!
You can not smash capitalism without smashing patriarchy!!!!
Fight back
SMASH PATRIARCHY

against in any way and problems can be addressed. Open daily from 12-2 pm