Why We Need to Stop Promoting Rape Culture | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Why We Need to Stop Promoting Rape Culture

As a society, we are all talk.

26
Why We Need to Stop Promoting Rape Culture
Caroline Kitchens

"I don't know why girls keep crying rape," I overhead my guest say as I was cleaning a nearby table. "It's not rape if you don't tell people about it right away. She must just be trying to get her boyfriend in trouble." Now, as a waitress in a college town, I overhear a lot of stupid things. But, this particular conversation stuck in my head.

Later on in the week, my class began a discussion about the infantilization of the modern college-age society. We focused on rape culture, triggers, and "safe rooms," discussing how by using these things we are coddling women who should instead be taught to push past hard situations.

Early Friday morning, Brock Turner (who has been convicted of sexual assault) was released from his already-lenient sentence on "good behavior." A young man who had violently raped an unconscious girl behind a dumpster had been set free.

I was trying to figure out why this week I felt inundated with rape culture references and examples, but then I realized, this is every week. Our society is finally placing rape issues in the spotlight, but, instead of making a difference (especially in the case of Brock Turner), we are just talking about it. A lot. We are giving women "safe spaces" filled with puppies and play-doh, but we aren't giving them a world with less rapists.

Let's go back to the first conversation I heard: "It's not rape if you don't tell people about it right away." This mindset is a direct product of the definition of rape being skewed. With all of the chatter and confusion, actual rape cases get overlooked by girls crying wolf. We need to understand the true meaning of trauma and demonstrate to wounded girls that it's worth having their voice heard.

Thanks to all of the media attention and the term "rape culture" being coined, women feel like something is being done. But unfortunately, bringing something to the attention of society does not mean that there will be progress. In 2015, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women in the US were raped and 1 in 71 were raped by their significant other. These statistics aren't changing, we just hear more about them.

As women, we need more than safe spaces and trigger warnings. We need a country where rapists don't get off on good behavior so that their college experience won't be ruined. We need to stop teaching girls not to get raped, but teaching men not to rape. We need to stop victim blaming and asking "What were you drinking?" and "What were you wearing?"

Stop talking about it. Start doing something.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1408
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16262
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3403
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments