I recently read another Odyssey article called "I'm Naked and Still Not Asking For It", which inspired me to write about my opinion on this subject. "Still Not Asking For It" is a photography campaign to show the premise that no matter what you are doing or wearing, no one deserves to be raped. I usually do not write about controversial topics, however I believe it is important to discuss this campaign. The author of "I'm Naked and Still Not Asking For It" made me think more about this issue. If a woman were to walk around someone's house naked, is she asking for it?
Let me begin by explaining, I do not believe anyone "deserves" to ever be raped. Under no circumstances. If we logistically think about what it means to be naked and what it means to be "asking for it" , the two are unrelated. It is simply a double standard. Having three older brothers, I know guys like to walk around the house in their underwear, no matter who is around. No one is questioning if guys are "asking for it". We, as a society, are accustomed to seeing men naked. The moment they have an excuse or reason to take their shirts off, the shirt will suddenly vanish from their bodies. Nudes have been released of male celebrities and as a society we just laugh it off. However, when Miley Cyrus or another female celebrity is half naked, the headlines are judgmental, unfair and critical.
Personally, I would never go around half naked anywhere but that is my personal choice. I believe if woman is comfortable enough to go around topless, then all power to her. They should not be shamed or fearful of being sexually assaulted or raped. It is legal for women to go around topless, anywhere it is allowed for men, in most states. I have seen women topless, without bras on, at gay pride parades. They are still not asking for it. They are simply celebrating equality.
Even if a girl was prancing around her significant other's apartment naked, that does not mean she automatically consents to sex. Yes, the guy/girl will most likely be wanting her to consent and will be looking at her but that does not give them the right to have sex with her. To consent, means to be sober and enthusiastically agree to sex.
While some of you may think the "Still Not Asking For It" campaign is "just another feminist movement and it's a little much", I disagree. First, being a feminist should not be shamed (but that's for another discussion). These movements make people talk. They help people who are suffering from rape and provide support. If we did not have these movements that caught society's attention, rape and sexually assault would not be discussed. Even if you do not consider yourself a feminist, I think it is undeniable that consent is a human right. Those who identify as men, women or other all have the right to consent and it should never be taken away. No matter what!
