Challenging Rape Culture: a Call for Change

Rape culture persists alarmingly, demanding immediate societal and cultural shifts to eliminate its normalization. The phrase "With those short shorts, she was totally asking for it" and "She was drinking. It’s not his fault that he has needs!" exemplify the deeply ingrained misconceptions that perpetuate sexual violence. These attitudes contribute to a culture where a college student can feel justified in raping an unconscious girl. In the twenty-first century, such a culture should be unequivocally unacceptable. Despite the gravity of the crime, rape is often trivialized, and we cannot allow this normalization to persist.

The Brock Turner Case

A glaring example of this normalization is the case of Brock Turner, a Stanford swimmer convicted of raping an unconscious woman. The victim, a 22-year-old woman, was found unconscious by a dumpster near a fraternity house. Turner was discovered on top of her, her dress pulled above her waist, actively assaulting her. For this heinous act, Turner received a mere six-month jail sentence, a punishment widely criticized for its leniency. The problem was compounded by his father's statement that "prison is a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action," a comment that perpetuates a dismissive attitude toward sexual assault.

Understanding Motivations and Power Dynamics

What motivates someone to commit sexual assault? Katherine Baker of Harvard explains that "rape is not usually about sex. Rape is about the power that the perpetrator will feel after violating another individual." This suggests that Turner, like many perpetrators, sought control and dominance rather than sexual gratification. While he may have been attempting to assert control over his stressful life as a college student and athlete, this does not excuse his actions. The so-called "twenty minutes of action" is a lifetime of trauma for the victim and her family.

The Prevalence of Sexual Assault

The statistics surrounding sexual assault are sobering. One in five women will be raped in her lifetime, and 80% of those women are first assaulted before the age of 18. In 2016, nearly 17.7% of sophomores, or tenth-grade students, reported having been sexually assaulted. This implies that almost 20% of all 15-year-olds, or potentially younger, have already been victims of sexual violence. Alarmingly, 90% of college women do not report their assaults, highlighting a systemic issue of underreporting and a culture that discourages victims from seeking justice.

Cultural and Historical Contexts

The roots of rape culture can be traced back through history and are heavily influenced by traditional gender roles. The Rutgers Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance points out that many perpetrators adhere to strict, outdated gender roles. In the 1874 case of People v. Dorking, a 14-year-old servant girl was raped by her master. The court decided that her lack of resistance implied consent, resulting in no punishment for the perpetrator. This historical precedent reflects a persistent societal flaw where victims are blamed, and perpetrators are excused.

Global Perspectives and Legal Challenges

The issue of sexual violence extends beyond the United States and is reflected in international legal systems. In countries like India and Saudi Arabia, spousal rape is often not recognized as a crime. Emily Shugarman highlights a case where a 27-year-old Indian woman was beaten and raped by her husband, who faced no legal consequences. These legal protections for perpetrators underscore the global nature of rape culture and the urgent need for reform.

Feminist Movements and Advocacy

Despite these challenges, feminist movements worldwide continue to fight against sexual violence and for equal rights. The acquittal of a 17-year-old's rapist in Dublin, Ireland, sparked international outrage and protest, with women using the hashtag "thisisnotmyconsent" to demand accountability and change. Activists call for equal pay, fair punishment for sexual crimes, an end to workplace discrimination, and the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, among other goals.

Historical Figures and Their Impact

The problematic legacy of historical figures like Thomas Jefferson further illustrates the entrenchment of rape culture. Jefferson, a Founding Father, repeatedly raped his slave Sally Hemings and never freed her or their children. Such historical narratives contribute to the normalization of sexual violence and the veneration of individuals who perpetuated it.

Conclusion

To dismantle rape culture, we must challenge deeply ingrained societal norms and advocate for systemic change. This includes reforming legal systems, supporting survivors, and promoting gender equality. By addressing the historical and cultural roots of sexual violence, we can work towards a future where such behavior is unequivocally condemned and eradicated. The fight against rape culture is a continuous battle, but it is one that must be pursued with unwavering determination.

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