Let Him Rape Someone Else
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Let Him Rape Someone Else

What you're really saying to sexual assault victims

66
Let Him Rape Someone Else

TW: discussion of rape and sexual assault


How did you react to the Brock Turner case, when you heard the full details of what he did? How did you react to the accusations against Jameis Winston at Florida State University? Or the Steubenville football team incident?

You've probably heard the term "rape culture" thrown around by now, especially given the current publicity surrounding sexual assault. But, unfortunately, you've most likely heard it tossed at someone with no explanation. Maybe even thrown in your direction?

The way people respond to stories of rape and/or sexual assault in general is very misleading, because there are certain assumptions lying beneath the surface that are far more sinister than the good intentions we claim to see.

At the root of most, if not all reinforcements of rape culture, is simply where you place your focus. Many people, one way or another, focus on the victim. This leads to an emotionally-traumatizing pattern called "victim blaming," and some victims report the aftermath being worse than the actual assault.

"You shouldn't have been wearing that."

"Why were you drinking [so much]?"

"Why didn't you try doing [X,Y,Z] to stop it?"

These are the less conspicuous forms of victim blaming. Assuming that a person's attire, sobriety, or actions (or lack thereof) caused their rape is dangerous because it leaves out one crucial element: the rapist. No rapist means no rape. Anyone can wear, drink, and do anything they want, and they won't be raped because there is no rapist.

"Make sure you always stay in groups or with a friend."

"Don't go anywhere by yourself."

"Don't do [X,Y,Z]."

This is where things get tricky. The concern for the person's well-being is more evident, but beneath the surface lies an even darker sentiment than victim blaming: victim displacing. When you tell someone to be careful in response to a sexual assault story, and you don't focus on the criminal who committed this heinous act, the message being delivered is "make sure it's someone else."

In the wake of the Brock Turner case, parents across the country told their teenage/young adult daughters to "be careful out there," or some variation of that. Which is fine. At no point do I want to dissuade parents from caring about their children's safety. The issue is that there is more to say. Much more.

In addition to being careful, people should be encouraged to step in if they see something. Keep an eye on your surroundings, but not just for yourself...for anyone who might be in danger.

Worse yet, likely a very small fraction of those same parents told their sons anything concerning the case, let alone the importance of rejecting any sense of sexual entitlement.

I'm not saying we accuse every son in America of being a potential rapist. But I am saying that we reinforce proper social development and egalitarian values so that such potential never comes to fruition.

The problem is that people have come to accept that "this is just the way things are." That cringe-worthy phrase "boys will be boys" comes immediately to mind. But it's oh so wrong. Things don't have to be this way. There are relatively small changes we can make that will have incredible benefits to the lives of so many people.

Boys will be boys. And they will be held accountable for their actions.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71271
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133396
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments