13 Pieces Of Rape Culture That Need To End Already | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

13 Pieces Of Rape Culture That Need To End Already

The key word is "consent."

99
13 Pieces Of Rape Culture That Need To End Already
ABC Family / Gilles Mingasson

As a society, we have convinced men that sexually pursuing a woman is always acceptable, whether she wants the attention or not. Brock Turner's unjust sentence caused an uproar among men and women alike. And yet, some of the same men that condemn Brock Turner may also be the same men that catcall women on the streets. Why is this an issue? Because one form of sexual assault can lead to an acceptance of others. Let's break down some major pieces of rape culture that need to end in our society.

1. Music that celebrates the "blurred lines" around sexual consent.

If you have to ask "What do you mean?," the answer is no. If she nods her head yes, but wants to say no, the answer is no. UNLESS HE/SHE SAYS YES, THE ANSWER IS NO.

2. "Yeah, but what were you wearing?"

That's like me claiming a guy has a threatening looking face, so I have the right to attack him with pepper spray. Really, you shouldn't walk around with a creepy face like that, you're asking for it.

3. Being skeptical of the victim rather than the accused.

Imagine the courage it takes to ask for help. Now, imagine how it must feel to still have no one believe you.

4. Women in derogatory or submissive positions in the media being shown as attractive.

There's nothing attractive about sexual violence.

5. Athletes who are charged with rape are supported, while their victims are blamed as the cause for a ruined career.

The achievements or opportunities that have been taken away from these athletes was their own doing, not that of the victim.

6. Catcalling.

Believe it or not, a man's shout of approval on the street does not make a woman feel good. It actually really creeps us out.

7. Inappropriate jokes that aren't addressed.

If you hear someone saying a rape joke, and laugh instead of addressing why it's wrong, that person, and everyone else who heard the joke, will think that sort of behavior is OK.

8. Taking the rapist's side because of their position/status compared to the victim.

This person has an amazing stage presence on television, so of course they could never do anything wrong in real life, right?

9. Women feeling the need to go through outlandish precautions to safely walk home alone.

Women feel the need to carry pepper spray and rape whistles in their bag, to text their friends when they get home safe, to have 911 dialed on their phone as they're walking, to place their keys in between their knuckles. It is not because they are more paranoid than men, it is because they have a reason to feel unsafe.

10. Sayings like "Boys will be boys," or "Men are dogs."

Excusing bad behavior as a natural male attribute only convinces the man that he has no control over his actions. You're not a dog, you're a human being with morals and societal responsibilities, and it's time that you started following them.

11. Using alcohol as an excuse for the rapist's actions, but a cause for skepticism for the victim.

The point is: if you can't remember giving consent, you were not in the position to give consent. So again, THE ANSWER IS NO.

12. The myth that men don't get raped.

Rape is not gender exclusive, nor should it stigmatize a man's masculinity if he attempts to seek help.

13. Warning our daughters about the dangers of sexual assault and not our sons.

How do we expect our society's approach to rape culture to change if half of the population is being taught to avoid it, and the other half is not being taught what it is at all?

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

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

928
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

1193
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

1129
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments