Exploitation and empowerment: RELEVANT PASSAGES FROM THE NOVEL
Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake. Toronto: Random House, 2004.
Throughout the book, Atwood argues that Jimmy’s father, like many doctors in real life is taking advantage of his test subjects. They are vulnerable women with low self-esteem whom he lying to about the results and fees they will pay for his work. "The rewards in the case of success would be enormous [. . . ] peeling in ragged strips. " (65). This passage is part of the fourth chapter and provides insight into the argument that vulnerable people, women especially, are easily exploited and manipulated by people whom they trust (usually men). In the second passage, Atwood argues that exploitation and in particular forced prostitution is not always black and white. “These girls were said - by those who had done the locking [...] different or surprising to them about that.” (307-308). This passage provides insight into the puzzling phenomenon that exploited women and girls sometimes don’t want help and believe that their situation is actually a happy one. (Helena)
“Each time the gold-wristwatch man came to the village [...] With this money, the mothers who sold their children would be able to give the remaining children a better chance in life.” (143-144). This passage is part of the 6th chapter in which Oryx describes her life as a child. Atwood’s argument is that there is and always will be exploitation of the young, poor, and weak. The first passage illustrates what happens in small villages and towns where families are often unable to feed all of their children, in order to make a little extra cash, they sell their children into an unknown future in the hopes that they will be cared for and that they can now feed their remaining children. It relates to the modern day world as well, especially in poorer countries where parents will sell their children into slavery. “Where do you get the subjects? [...] And from the ranks of the desperate, as usual.” (357). This passage is in the BlyssPluss chapter in which Jimmy is being given a tour of Paradice by Crake. Atwood touches on the subject of clinical trials and the ethics of experimental drugs. She argues that people take advantage of the weak for their own selfish desires, even if the actions are in the name of good.This second example relates to the first in the sense of taking advantage of the weak but examines a different aspect of exploitation, exploitation of one’s health and one’s body in the name of medical science. (Robyn)
“He’d moved on from the chimpanzee act and was into fake vomiting and choking to death... and a thing where he drew a bare-naked girl [...] And made her wiggle” (63). In the Rakunk chapter, Atwood portrays a scene where Jimmy tries to gain popularity at his school by misusing art; the lack of respect Jimmy has towards women, as well as his immaturity are also illustrated. It can be further implied that women in general were often exploited in the setting. “Would protect the user against all known sexually transmitted diseases [...] And from the ranks of the desperate, as usual” (355-57). In the BlyssPluss chapter, Atwood brings the irony of the experimental drugs into light. The author provides insight into this topic by providing imageries of the setting and suggesting a deeper meaning. The descriptions of RejoovenEsense Compound compared to the compounds that Jimmy had experienced in the past illustrate a great dissimilarity. A similar image is portrayed when the altruistic motives and plans to exploit minority are discussed at the same time. The second passage adds to the argument and enlarges the problem of exploitation to include minorities as well. (Cyndy)
"So I learned about life," said Oryx..."That everything has a price."
"Not everything. That can't be true. You can't buy time...”
"You can't buy it, but it has a price," said Oryx. "Everything has a price." (138-139)
“All it takes,” said Crake, “is the elimination of one generation. One generation of anything. Beetles, trees, microbes, scientists, speakers of French, whatever. Break the link in time between one generation and the next, and it’s game over forever.” (Rebecca)
"Something else would have to be found for the brother - some other occupation. He would have to be sold somewhere else...the brother would be sold to a pimp they said; a pimp for hairy white foreign men or bearded brown men or fat yellow men, any kind of men who liked little boys" (130). "Crake allotted the special piss to men only; he said they'd need something important to do, something that didn't involve childbearing, so they wouldn't feel left out" (155). --> Rachel
Throughout the book, Atwood highlights the exploitation of the lack of power citizens have by major companies. In the book she explains that a major company, Helthwyzer, has been purposely infecting people so that they would have to use their medication. “They’ve been doing it for years … so they’re guaranteed profits” (211). This passage provides insight into the selfish ways of the company, and alludes to parallels between the situations in the book and those we have seen in the world, such as that with Nestle and the ‘baby milk issue’. (Cassandra)
Throughout the book, Atwood argues that Jimmy’s father, like many doctors in real life is taking advantage of his test subjects. They are vulnerable women with low self-esteem whom he lying to about the results and fees they will pay for his work. "The rewards in the case of success would be enormous [. . . ] peeling in ragged strips. " (65). This passage is part of the fourth chapter and provides insight into the argument that vulnerable people, women especially, are easily exploited and manipulated by people whom they trust (usually men). In the second passage, Atwood argues that exploitation and in particular forced prostitution is not always black and white. “These girls were said - by those who had done the locking [...] different or surprising to them about that.” (307-308). This passage provides insight into the puzzling phenomenon that exploited women and girls sometimes don’t want help and believe that their situation is actually a happy one. (Helena)
“Each time the gold-wristwatch man came to the village [...] With this money, the mothers who sold their children would be able to give the remaining children a better chance in life.” (143-144). This passage is part of the 6th chapter in which Oryx describes her life as a child. Atwood’s argument is that there is and always will be exploitation of the young, poor, and weak. The first passage illustrates what happens in small villages and towns where families are often unable to feed all of their children, in order to make a little extra cash, they sell their children into an unknown future in the hopes that they will be cared for and that they can now feed their remaining children. It relates to the modern day world as well, especially in poorer countries where parents will sell their children into slavery. “Where do you get the subjects? [...] And from the ranks of the desperate, as usual.” (357). This passage is in the BlyssPluss chapter in which Jimmy is being given a tour of Paradice by Crake. Atwood touches on the subject of clinical trials and the ethics of experimental drugs. She argues that people take advantage of the weak for their own selfish desires, even if the actions are in the name of good.This second example relates to the first in the sense of taking advantage of the weak but examines a different aspect of exploitation, exploitation of one’s health and one’s body in the name of medical science. (Robyn)
“He’d moved on from the chimpanzee act and was into fake vomiting and choking to death... and a thing where he drew a bare-naked girl [...] And made her wiggle” (63). In the Rakunk chapter, Atwood portrays a scene where Jimmy tries to gain popularity at his school by misusing art; the lack of respect Jimmy has towards women, as well as his immaturity are also illustrated. It can be further implied that women in general were often exploited in the setting. “Would protect the user against all known sexually transmitted diseases [...] And from the ranks of the desperate, as usual” (355-57). In the BlyssPluss chapter, Atwood brings the irony of the experimental drugs into light. The author provides insight into this topic by providing imageries of the setting and suggesting a deeper meaning. The descriptions of RejoovenEsense Compound compared to the compounds that Jimmy had experienced in the past illustrate a great dissimilarity. A similar image is portrayed when the altruistic motives and plans to exploit minority are discussed at the same time. The second passage adds to the argument and enlarges the problem of exploitation to include minorities as well. (Cyndy)
"So I learned about life," said Oryx..."That everything has a price."
"Not everything. That can't be true. You can't buy time...”
"You can't buy it, but it has a price," said Oryx. "Everything has a price." (138-139)
“All it takes,” said Crake, “is the elimination of one generation. One generation of anything. Beetles, trees, microbes, scientists, speakers of French, whatever. Break the link in time between one generation and the next, and it’s game over forever.” (Rebecca)
"Something else would have to be found for the brother - some other occupation. He would have to be sold somewhere else...the brother would be sold to a pimp they said; a pimp for hairy white foreign men or bearded brown men or fat yellow men, any kind of men who liked little boys" (130). "Crake allotted the special piss to men only; he said they'd need something important to do, something that didn't involve childbearing, so they wouldn't feel left out" (155). --> Rachel
Throughout the book, Atwood highlights the exploitation of the lack of power citizens have by major companies. In the book she explains that a major company, Helthwyzer, has been purposely infecting people so that they would have to use their medication. “They’ve been doing it for years … so they’re guaranteed profits” (211). This passage provides insight into the selfish ways of the company, and alludes to parallels between the situations in the book and those we have seen in the world, such as that with Nestle and the ‘baby milk issue’. (Cassandra)
exploitation and empowerment: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bissell, Anne. "Wendy’s Testimonial: A Sex Industry Survivor's Story." The Silver Braid Survivors of Sexual Exploitation
Network. The Silver Braid Survivors of Sexual Exploitation Network, 15 Nov 2005. Web. 5 Mar 2013.
I thought that this source was valuable to our discussion and brainstorming for a few reasons. First of all, the frank confession and testimony of the girls moved my heart. Although I do not know what it was like to be sexually assaulted, their descriptive story helped me understand and empathize with them. I also thought that this could bring a lot of conversation about our topic. Reading testimonials of Silver Braid Survivors Network will help girls in the classroom get a better overall understanding of our topic. (Cyndy)
Blancato, Robert B. "Violence Against Women and the Elder Justice Act." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 04
Mar. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
The most significant/interesting point that I get from this source is that while the United States government works admirably to pass legislation to reduce violence against women it is ignoring the similar issue of elder abuse. A miniscule amount of government funding is allocated to deal with an issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent (1 in 10 elders have been abused). I feel that this article would bring to the conversation the perspective of a demographic often exploited but not often heard. Although children, immigrants, the poor and women are often recognized as easily exploited groups, the elderly are often forgotten. I know that the Huffington Post is a reputable source that gets its information and articles from reputable places. (Helena)
"The Gruesome Reality of Sweatshops." Editorial. Independent [London] 01 Oct 2010, n. pag. Web.
This editorial is from a reputable newspaper in London called the Independent. Although this newspaper is formated in a tabloid style this is one of the hard hitting pieces that focuses on the hardships that workers in third world countries go through, and how they are overworked, underpaid and mistreated. Since this is an editorial piece I do believe it is biased and one sided. To counter that argument though I do believe it is a valid source since many of the opinions are formed from facts and research. I think this source is able to give this project some insight into the exploitation of sweatshops. To get even more information this source can give another perspective on this situation and to help my group understand some people’s circumstances. (Rebecca)
Lawson, Alistair. Meeting Millenium Development Goals. BBC., 10 May. 2010. Web. 2 March. 2013.
This source was extremely useful because it took an in depth look at the life of a girl working in a factory in Bangladesh. The article provides background surrounding the conditions of the factory and the main girl. The source is investigating the current state of Bangladesh in related to reaching the 2015 Millenium Development Goals. The author was supported by the BBC which is a reputable corporation. (Robyn)
Tarnoski, Darlene. "Stories of Victims of Child Trafficking - Women Against Child Trafficking." Women Against Child
Trafficking. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2013.
This blog entry tells the story of Theresa Flores and her experience with trafficking. As a young girl at the age of 15, Flores was drugged and prostituted for 2 years until breaking the bonds with her capturers and moving. This text gives short insight into the life of a victim of child trafficking from their perspective. Along with that, it also talked about efforts being done in California for child trafficking. I think that this source could be applicable as it gives the perspective of the victim. (Rachel)
Tarnoski, Darlene. "Stories of Victims of Child Trafficking - Women Against Child Trafficking." Women Against Child
Trafficking. Women Against Child Trafficking, n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
This article provides insight into the the world of modern slavery, telling the story of a former sufferer and outlining her goals in eliminating this tragedy. It outlines the details of, and issues our society has with, the sex trafficking industry, and questions why a bigger deal isn’t made out of it within our culture. It is an industry that is being swept under the rug and ignored, and desperately needs to be brought forward. (Cassandra)
Network. The Silver Braid Survivors of Sexual Exploitation Network, 15 Nov 2005. Web. 5 Mar 2013.
I thought that this source was valuable to our discussion and brainstorming for a few reasons. First of all, the frank confession and testimony of the girls moved my heart. Although I do not know what it was like to be sexually assaulted, their descriptive story helped me understand and empathize with them. I also thought that this could bring a lot of conversation about our topic. Reading testimonials of Silver Braid Survivors Network will help girls in the classroom get a better overall understanding of our topic. (Cyndy)
Blancato, Robert B. "Violence Against Women and the Elder Justice Act." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 04
Mar. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
The most significant/interesting point that I get from this source is that while the United States government works admirably to pass legislation to reduce violence against women it is ignoring the similar issue of elder abuse. A miniscule amount of government funding is allocated to deal with an issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent (1 in 10 elders have been abused). I feel that this article would bring to the conversation the perspective of a demographic often exploited but not often heard. Although children, immigrants, the poor and women are often recognized as easily exploited groups, the elderly are often forgotten. I know that the Huffington Post is a reputable source that gets its information and articles from reputable places. (Helena)
"The Gruesome Reality of Sweatshops." Editorial. Independent [London] 01 Oct 2010, n. pag. Web.
This editorial is from a reputable newspaper in London called the Independent. Although this newspaper is formated in a tabloid style this is one of the hard hitting pieces that focuses on the hardships that workers in third world countries go through, and how they are overworked, underpaid and mistreated. Since this is an editorial piece I do believe it is biased and one sided. To counter that argument though I do believe it is a valid source since many of the opinions are formed from facts and research. I think this source is able to give this project some insight into the exploitation of sweatshops. To get even more information this source can give another perspective on this situation and to help my group understand some people’s circumstances. (Rebecca)
Lawson, Alistair. Meeting Millenium Development Goals. BBC., 10 May. 2010. Web. 2 March. 2013.
This source was extremely useful because it took an in depth look at the life of a girl working in a factory in Bangladesh. The article provides background surrounding the conditions of the factory and the main girl. The source is investigating the current state of Bangladesh in related to reaching the 2015 Millenium Development Goals. The author was supported by the BBC which is a reputable corporation. (Robyn)
Tarnoski, Darlene. "Stories of Victims of Child Trafficking - Women Against Child Trafficking." Women Against Child
Trafficking. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2013.
This blog entry tells the story of Theresa Flores and her experience with trafficking. As a young girl at the age of 15, Flores was drugged and prostituted for 2 years until breaking the bonds with her capturers and moving. This text gives short insight into the life of a victim of child trafficking from their perspective. Along with that, it also talked about efforts being done in California for child trafficking. I think that this source could be applicable as it gives the perspective of the victim. (Rachel)
Tarnoski, Darlene. "Stories of Victims of Child Trafficking - Women Against Child Trafficking." Women Against Child
Trafficking. Women Against Child Trafficking, n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
This article provides insight into the the world of modern slavery, telling the story of a former sufferer and outlining her goals in eliminating this tragedy. It outlines the details of, and issues our society has with, the sex trafficking industry, and questions why a bigger deal isn’t made out of it within our culture. It is an industry that is being swept under the rug and ignored, and desperately needs to be brought forward. (Cassandra)