As kids we’re all taught to admit to the mistakes we make, own them and not repeat them again. So why is it that every time an individual is raped, we forget this basic lesson? Instead, we find the nearest scapegoat, attach all our blame to it and send it up the mountain to be forgotten until it comes back down bearing the gift of guilt. Do we do this because it's the easiest way out? Or is it because we feel that the voice of a single individual is not strong enough to change the ways of our world? By blaming others for crimes committed against humanity, what do we as members of society gain? Nothing, we gain nothing.
Everyone knows that it’s wrong, but every time it happens, fingers are either pointed at the victim or at the rapist. Does doing so solve the problem at all? By blaming Nirbhaya for her rape by pointing out that she was outside of the home late at night, are fewer girls being sexually assaulted because they are learning from a mistake that she didn’t make? Probably not. By blaming Brock Turner for assuming that consent was given by the inebriated girl that he raped at a fraternity party, are a greater number of potential and already registered sex offenders thinking twice about the crimes they’re capable of committing or have already committed? The answer is no. Even after addressing how big of a crime against humanity rape is, individuals are still raping and being raped and society as a whole is the only one to blame.
We pride ourselves on being educated individuals and yet, we try as hard as we can to take the easy way out of conflict by pointing fingers. But guess what, it doesn’t solve anything and we all know it.The next time a rape victim is blamed for horrific violation of their personal safety, spread the word about how being sexually assaulted is never the victim's fault. The next time the rapist is let off with a minimal sentence, fight for justice and the protection of all of society's citizens. The next time you hear of anyone being sexually assaulted, take action to promote the necessity of consent. Most important of all, make sure that whatever you're doing to help reduce the occurrence of this crime aims to solve the problem instead of pushing the blame. What we as members of society teach today will soon become the standard of thought and mentality for the citizens of tomorrow. There is strength in numbers, so let us make sure that we take two steps forward and no steps back by spreading the word about consent and respect.
