People all over the country, I’m sure, have heard of the recent Kim Kardashian-West scandal in which she was held at gunpoint and robbed.

Many have speculated the incident to be a publicity scandal to help bring attention and have people “keep up with the Kardashians”. Although the $11 million worth of jewelry which was taken makes only a small dent on Kardashian-West’s fortune, the very real fact of the matter is that what happened to her was wrong.

The idea that someone who fake an incident like this seems outlandish, but after Kardashian-West came out earlier this week stating she believed the men were going to rape her, people everywhere began stating that she deserved it.

People from all over began stating that she dresses provocatively and so she would deserve it. This entire idea disgusts me on a whole new level. While Kardashian-West is a reality star and socialite, it makes what happened to her no less important. This incident alone shows the rape culture that is so real in this country.

Regardless of how any woman dresses, acts or looks, it is NEVER an excuse for her to be sexually assaulted. It does not matter that Kardashian-West made a sex tape. It does not matter that she has worn sheer or short clothing. It does not matter that she is known for having and loving her curvy figure. It is not an excuse to be taken advantage of in any case.

Women all over this country are afraid, in many cases, to come forward with crime which have been committed against them. Women face scrutiny when coming forward about sexual assaults, robberies and many other crimes as it is often said that they were asking for it. This is almost the exact case which has been presented by Kardashian-West's story.

While many do not sympathize with Kardashian-West for her $11 million loss, I feel as though making this woman’s very real, traumatic experience into a joke is nothing to laugh at. Regardless of the amount of money Kardashian-West has or what kind of life she leads, it does not change the fact that she was robbed at gunpoint by five men she believed would sexually assault or murder her. The situation was still very real and should not be made a mockery. This is still a person. This is still a life. This is still the life of a person who has suffered.

There is a lack of empathy in this country. For some reason, it has become a struggle for people to put themselves in another’s shoes. While I can see that it could be hard to empathize with a celebrity, is it hard to empathize with a mother, a wife, or a woman who was terrified for her life?

I don’t believe it was a lie or a scandal or a joke. I believe this woman was attacked and should be treated as any other victim, as any other survivor.