"Rape Culture doesn't exist."
Four words to piss off any woman. Why? Because rape culture not only exists, but it is growing. I think I can speak on behalf of most women when I say that we are tired of it. We are tired of being objectified and sexualized even in the simplest of tasks. And, most importantly, we are tired of being called "feminist bitches" when we express our anger at the disgusting actions that are deemed okay by society.
I'm tired of seeing rape normalized in America. Popular stores are commonly producing suggestive ads like the one below. Today's kids are going to grow up looking at these ads, listening to songs like Blurred Lines and think that "she's just playing hard to get." The attitude that Americans have about rape disgusts me.
"Did you see how she was dressed? She's just asking for it."
My favorite sentence. I don't care if she's in a burlap sack. I don't care if she's completely naked, three sheets to the wind. NO ONE IS EVER ASKING FOR IT. I've never once in casual conversation heard, "Hi, my name is ____, please force yourself on me sexually and cause irreparable damage to my emotional and mental health." Bottom line, if she doesn't say yes, then take it as a no. Furthermore, turn the table on it. If a man is walking around without a shirt, is he asking for it? No. Her nipples are no more consent than his.
"She was drunk, she said it was okay."
FIRST: In most states, one cannot give consent to sex if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This makes anything, and I mean anything, you do in bed a possible rape charge. Next, don't think she won't remember it. Even if she doesn't, and wakes up in a strange place next to a strange person, she's going to know what went on last night. Lastly, if you take advantage of someone you know wouldn't otherwise give consent while they are impaired, you just kind of suck as a person.
"Rape culture doesn't exist."
I started with it, and now I want to end with it. That sentence is bullsh*t. Over 293,000 sexual assaults happen in America every year (RAINN). You think rape culture doesn't exist? Turn on your radio. Turn on the TV. Pick up your smartphone. Mention of rape is smeared all over our daily lives. Far too often, I will be walking through my residence hall and hear, "Man, what I would do to her if I got the chance," or, "Get her drunk and take her home." It's sad that we are living in the 21st century and people still live in the mindset where forcing sex on someone is acceptable. And we can't keep ignoring it.
If you aren't part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.
