There is nothing wrong with talking about romantic encounters with others in private. As a matter of fact, it’s normal, healthy even. What’s not healthy and certainly shouldn’t be considered normal is joking about any type of nonconsensual interaction. Many that have defended Donald Trump’s boasts over groping women have stated that his private actions and statements “is not going to affect how we (Americans) live.” The problem with that is, it will. All comments made about nonconsensual sex or physical groping, whether amongst friends or in public, contribute to the rape culture in America today that majorly targets women.
Trump is not the first and will most certainly not be the last person to joke about sex without consent. Here are 10 places where nonconsensual sex should never be spoken about or acted upon (even though they already have been).
1. It's not okay at parties
In March of 2016, Brock Turner was convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault on an unconscious 22 year old. You might be thinking, "there's a difference between talking about doing something and actually acting upon it." That's right, the difference being that this kind of talk is what makes people like Brock Turner think nonconsensual sex is okay.2. It's Not Okay Online
Websites that offer pornography that present men or women in positions that appear nonconsensual only further promote the idea that assault and rape are okay and even pleasing for the victim.
3. It's Not Okay In Clubs
Along with rape drugs that women have been cautious of for years, the nightlife is a dangerous scene for any woman in or out of the states. The UK itself has seen a 136% increase in rapes reported in London bars and clubs only in the past year.
4. It's Not Okay In Your Home
Statistics show that 30% of adult rape cases in the United State are committed by husbands or common law partners.
5. It's Not Okay At School
A study in 2014 stated that 21% of middle school students reported experiencing unwanted physical contact on school grounds. A 2013 study stated that 4% of high school boys and 10% of high school girls have felt forced to have sexual intercourse against their will. 20% of women who attended college in the last four years have said they were sexually assaulted. Which leads us to where this type of behavior is learned…
6. It's not okay in a music video
Robin Thicke's 2013 song, "Blurred Lines" discusses what some argue to be the "grey area" (which doesn't exist) between consensual sex and assault. The video displays naked women acting as props for the male musicians in the video as they sing lyrics such as "Good girl/I know you want it" and "The way you grab me/Must want to get nasty."
7. It's Not Okay In Advertisements
8. It's Not Okay On Television
In this situation, the host of a French television show is denied a kiss by the actor on stage. He then proceeds to kiss her on the breast without consent.
9. It's Not Okay on the RadioMany songs on the radio today continue to portray nonconsensual sexual acts as desirable rather than threatening.