Robert Jensen

For the American theologian, see Robert Jenson. For the host of the Dutch late night talk show, see Jensen!

Robert Jensen
Robert Jensen speaking at York University after "The Heart of Whiteness" was published.
Born	Robert William Jensen (1958-07-14) July 14, 1958
Website	robertwjensen.org
Academic background
Alma mater	University of Minnesota
Thesis title	Knowing Pornography
Thesis year	1992
Academic work
Institutions	Moody College of Communication
Main interests	Journalism and mass communication
Notable works	Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity
Notable ideas	Media law, ethics, and politics

Robert William Jensen (born July 14, 1958), has been professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin since 1992. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in media law, ethics, and politics.

In his research, Jensen draws on a variety of critical theories. As a radical feminist, Jensen has focused much of his work on the radical feminist critique of pornography and of masculinity. He also has written about white privilege and institutional racism. He also sits on the editorial board of the journal Sexualization, Media, and Society.

Early life

Jensen grew up in North Dakota.

Education

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. In 1992 he completed his Ph.D. in media law and ethics in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota.

Career and activism

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.

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 U.S. He also is involved in a number of activist groups working against U.S. military and economic domination, including the Third Coast Activist Resource Center.

Controversy

9/11 opinion piece

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.

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."

Jensen's piece drew both praise and criticism. Some individuals demanded that The University of Texas fire Jensen. 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."

Views on transgenderism

In early July 2014, MonkeyWrench Books collective cut all ties with Jensen over his article reviewing two feminist books that analyzed transgenderism. In the review published by Dissident Voice, Jensen concluded that, "On the surface, transgenderism may seem to be a more revolutionary approach, but radical feminism offers a deeper critique of the domination/subordination dynamic at the heart of patriarchy and a more promising path to liberation." which they felt "contributes to a dangerous culture of transphobia". In addition, Dexter M. Thomas wrote a rebuttal which was also published by Dissident Voice. Jensen responded by writing a follow-up article which elaborated on his views on the ecological and social implications of the trans ideology.

Personal life

Jensen identifies as a radical Christian who rejects the supernatural claims of Christian orthodoxy. Jensen is married to musician Eliza Gilkyson.

Selected works

Journal articles

Review of:

Review of:

• Pdf.

Films

• 55 mins
• 46 mins

Speeches

• Recording by Global Voices for Justice.

Press

• (one hour)

External links

• Robert Jensen homepage, with article archive.
• The Rag Blog, articles by Robert Jensen.