Last Friday, the Ministry of Culture announced the establishment of a unit to support and prevent sexist violence in the cultural sector (sic). The same newspaper writes: “There is still no economic memory. It is not known what the structure will be, nor how it will fit into the ministry's organizational chart, nor who will lead it, nor what staff it will have. In other words, there is nothing beyond the press release. The measure states that action will be taken. Necessary measures? I really doubt it. Photocopies, videos and posters are made. Lectures will be held. I assume someone is paid very well.
Is there a problem of structural machismo in the world of culture? Yes there is. Almost on the level of what the army or the world of poetry must have. There is another problem – in my opinion more serious – related to the wide gap between labor exploitation and power relations. Another serious problem we have is precarity. Our hobby is approaching a hobby for those who can afford it. And this, I assure you, keeps us all up at night, and it is completely endemic to the industry.
Setting up an office for a few colleagues and spending money (incorrectly) will only make headlines. I discussed the news with a friend who I know works with battered women. She told me some time ago about her time in these dark facilities that are “located in places you can’t even imagine.” A “playroom” with two children lost in silence and sadness, a woman urinating on herself because her husband calls her, another having an anxiety crisis because her ex changed cars and she doesn't know anymore, when she follows him, about twenty years old, still pregnant…
All had in common the mistreatment in institutions where they could not cope and where there was a waiting list of several months for consultation. One of her colleagues was raped after her then-husband beat her. She was sedated and he entered the room, entered her and left. There was no room for them in the residence. Scary stories that, with a small budget, would have been solved in concrete measures (rooms and staff) instead of in posters, red carpets, presentations and egos.
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