13 Pieces Of Rape Culture That Need To End Already | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

13 Pieces Of Rape Culture That Need To End Already

The key word is "consent."

99
13 Pieces Of Rape Culture That Need To End Already
ABC Family / Gilles Mingasson

As a society, we have convinced men that sexually pursuing a woman is always acceptable, whether she wants the attention or not. Brock Turner's unjust sentence caused an uproar among men and women alike. And yet, some of the same men that condemn Brock Turner may also be the same men that catcall women on the streets. Why is this an issue? Because one form of sexual assault can lead to an acceptance of others. Let's break down some major pieces of rape culture that need to end in our society.

1. Music that celebrates the "blurred lines" around sexual consent.

If you have to ask "What do you mean?," the answer is no. If she nods her head yes, but wants to say no, the answer is no. UNLESS HE/SHE SAYS YES, THE ANSWER IS NO.

2. "Yeah, but what were you wearing?"

That's like me claiming a guy has a threatening looking face, so I have the right to attack him with pepper spray. Really, you shouldn't walk around with a creepy face like that, you're asking for it.

3. Being skeptical of the victim rather than the accused.

Imagine the courage it takes to ask for help. Now, imagine how it must feel to still have no one believe you.

4. Women in derogatory or submissive positions in the media being shown as attractive.

There's nothing attractive about sexual violence.

5. Athletes who are charged with rape are supported, while their victims are blamed as the cause for a ruined career.

The achievements or opportunities that have been taken away from these athletes was their own doing, not that of the victim.

6. Catcalling.

Believe it or not, a man's shout of approval on the street does not make a woman feel good. It actually really creeps us out.

7. Inappropriate jokes that aren't addressed.

If you hear someone saying a rape joke, and laugh instead of addressing why it's wrong, that person, and everyone else who heard the joke, will think that sort of behavior is OK.

8. Taking the rapist's side because of their position/status compared to the victim.

This person has an amazing stage presence on television, so of course they could never do anything wrong in real life, right?

9. Women feeling the need to go through outlandish precautions to safely walk home alone.

Women feel the need to carry pepper spray and rape whistles in their bag, to text their friends when they get home safe, to have 911 dialed on their phone as they're walking, to place their keys in between their knuckles. It is not because they are more paranoid than men, it is because they have a reason to feel unsafe.

10. Sayings like "Boys will be boys," or "Men are dogs."

Excusing bad behavior as a natural male attribute only convinces the man that he has no control over his actions. You're not a dog, you're a human being with morals and societal responsibilities, and it's time that you started following them.

11. Using alcohol as an excuse for the rapist's actions, but a cause for skepticism for the victim.

The point is: if you can't remember giving consent, you were not in the position to give consent. So again, THE ANSWER IS NO.

12. The myth that men don't get raped.

Rape is not gender exclusive, nor should it stigmatize a man's masculinity if he attempts to seek help.

13. Warning our daughters about the dangers of sexual assault and not our sons.

How do we expect our society's approach to rape culture to change if half of the population is being taught to avoid it, and the other half is not being taught what it is at all?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13199
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5786
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4289
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3787
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments