Robert Jensen
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Robert William Jensen (born July 14, 1958) is a professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin College of Communication. He joined the faculty in 1992 after completing his Ph.D. in media law and ethics in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in media law, ethics, and politics. Jensen also is director of the Senior Fellows Program, the honors program of the UT College of Communication.
In his research, Jensen draws on a variety of critical theories. As a strong pro-feminist, Jensen has focused much of his work on the radical feminist critique of pornography and of masculinity. In more recent work, he has opined on white privilege and institutionalized racism.
In addition to teaching and research, Jensen writes for popular media, both alternative and mainstream. His opinion and analytic pieces on such subjects as foreign policy, politics, and race have appeared in papers around the country. He also is involved in a number of activist groups working against U.S. military and economic policies.
Jensen identifies as a Radical Christian.[1] He has one child, a son.[2] Jensen is married to musician Eliza Gilkyson.[3].
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[edit] Early Life
Jensen grew up in North Dakota.[4] In 1981, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Moorhead State University (now Minnesota State University, Moorhead), and in 1985, he received a Master of Arts degree in journalism and public affairs from American University. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a reporter and copy editor for several newspapers, including the St. Petersburg Times and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.[5]
[edit] Controversy
Jensen drew widespread attention for an opinion piece he wrote for the Houston Chronicle on September 14, 2001, shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks.[6]
In the piece, Jensen wrote that the September 11th terrorist attacks were "reprehensible and indefensible" but "no more despicable than the massive acts of terrorism -- the deliberate killing of civilians for political purposes -- that the U.S. government has committed during my lifetime." [7]
Jensen's piece drew both praise and criticism. Some individuals demanded that The University of Texas fire Jensen.[8] In response, University of Texas President Larry Faulkner wrote in a letter to the editor published in the Houston Chronicle that he was "disgusted by Jensen's article" and called Jensen "a fountain of undiluted foolishness on issues of public policy." [9]
[edit] Works
- All My Bones Shake: Seeking a Progressive Path to the Prophetic Voice (Soft Skull Press, 2009)
- Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity (South End Press, 2007)
- The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege (City Lights, 2005) ISBN 978-0872864498
- Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity (City Lights, 2004) ISBN 978-0872864320
- Writing Dissent: Taking Radical Ideas from the Margins to the Mainstream (Peter Lang, 2002) ISBN 978-0820456515
- Co-author with Gail Dines and Ann Russo of Pornography: The Production and Consumption of Inequality (Routledge, 1998)
- Co-editor with David Allen of Freeing the First Amendment: Critical Perspectives on Freedom of Expression (New York University Press, 1995)
[edit] External links
- Robert Jensen homepage, with article archive
- Robert Jensen's interview with radical activist Abe Osheroff, with information about documentary film "Abe Osheroff: One Foot in the Grave, the Other Still Dancing" (2008)]
- Robert Jensen speaking about religion and politics on Progressive Radio
- Robert Jensen speaking on white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism on Alternative Radio
- Robert Jensen speaking about mass media
- "The Price of Pleasure: Pornography, Sexuality, and Relationships," Documentary film directed by Chyng Sun and Miguel Picker (2008) quotes Robert Jensen]
- "Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land: Media & the Israel-Palestine Conflict", Documentary film directed by Sut Jhally and Bathsheba Ratzkoff (2003) quotes Robert Jensen
[edit] References
- ^ http://killingthebuddha.com/mag/confession/the-inquisition/
- ^ http://www.mrcforchange.org/realmen_realchoices.html
- ^ http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/03/10/article/group_hopes_to_build_alliances_with_workshop_concert
- ^ http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~rjensen/freelance/whiteprivilege.htm
- ^ http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~rjensen/vita.htm
- ^ "U.S. just as guilty of committing own violent acts", Houston Chronicle, September 2001
- ^ http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/editorial/1047072
- ^ http://chronicle.com/free/v48/i06/06a01201.htm
- ^ http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/editorial/1053207#jensen
