College Culture: Addressing the Shadows of Campus Life

Introduction

This period is a transformative journey, where individuals can explore their identities and decide on future paths. However, amid this exploration, a pertinent question arises: Does college life inadvertently promote a rape culture that mirrors the troubling aspects of our society? Platforms like "I’m Shmacked" and others frequently upload videos showcasing college drinking, often involving underage students, and these portrayals raise significant concerns.

Influence of Media and Fraternity Culture

These platforms propagate the harmful act of binge drinking, leading to decisions that may undermine individuals' well-being.

Furthermore, the banners displayed by many fraternities at major universities often contain messages that objectify women, questioning the respect for female students on campuses. In light of high-profile cases like the Brock Turner incident, the need to scrutinize these cultural aspects becomes imperative. Statistics reveal that 28% of women attending college may fall victim to these heinous acts (Diamond, vi), prompting us to question if sexual assaults are becoming an unfortunate addition to the college experience.

Schools with high fraternity populations have gained notoriety for their offensive signs directed at incoming freshmen. For instance, Old Dominion University faced criticism and took punitive action against fraternities that hung disrespectful signs towards freshman daughters and mothers. Similarly, West Virginia University encountered backlash for signs reading, “She called you daddy for 18 years, now it’s our turn” (“WVU Freshman Welcome Sign”). Such messages not only perpetuate a culture of sexual promiscuity but also reinforce sexist stereotypes. Over the past two years, several universities, including the University of California-Berkeley, have suspended Greek life activities due to sexual assault allegations. This month, Berkeley's student leaders halted all Greek life gatherings following two such allegations (Grenoble). Similarly, in 2015, West Chester University and Pennsylvania State University suspended all Greek life activities. At Penn State, a fraternity faced backlash for posting inappropriate pictures of women on a Facebook page, leading to police involvement (Snyder). At West Chester University, a student’s arrest on multiple rape charges further highlighted these issues, marking the sixth reported sexual assault that year (The Associated Press).

The Role of Social Media and Alcohol

Platforms like "I’m Shmacked" and "TotalFratMove" exacerbate the problem by posting videos of college students engaging in reckless behavior, linking college partying to numerous sexual assaults. "I’m Shmacked," founded by two college students, travels to various campuses to document parties, gaining notoriety for inciting near riots, as seen at the University of Delaware. Thousands of students reportedly caused property damage during a party they sponsored at a rugby house (Kingkade). Their tagline, “a new way to scout colleges,” underscores the problematic nature of their content (Toufanian).

A glance at their posts reveals a pattern of showcasing attractive women and binge drinking, where individuals consume large amounts of alcohol in short periods (Bridges et al., 2). Such behavior poses significant health risks, including alcohol poisoning. Despite the brief duration of their videos, the implications are profound. Ironically, these platforms rarely mention the academic standing of the colleges they visit. "TotalFratMove" similarly glorifies fraternity life, encouraging dangerous alcohol consumption. This culture places individuals at a higher risk of making regrettable decisions, with alcohol often serving as a catalyst in reported campus sexual assaults. Campus Safety Magazine noted that in one-third of sexual assaults, the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol (Gray). As binge drinking gains popularity, individuals unknowingly increase their risk of becoming either victims or perpetrators.

Highlighting High-Profile Cases

The Brock Turner case exemplifies the grave consequences of this culture. Turner, a former Stanford University student and swimmer, was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster after consuming alcohol. His blood alcohol level was .171, while the victim’s was estimated at .22-.24 (Hamilton). Turner’s subsequent statement, expressing inability to recognize the victim, reflects the callousness often seen in such cases (Branson-Potts). Despite receiving a six-month sentence, Turner served only three months, highlighting systemic flaws in addressing sexual assault. This case resonated nationwide, underscoring the need for justice systems to protect victims rather than shield privileged offenders.

Addressing and Preventing Sexual Assaults

As a Rutgers student, it is alarming to see our university ranked among the top schools for sexual assaults. In 2013, Rutgers was dubbed the “sluttiest school in America,” reflecting a perception of promiscuity (Rutgers ranked 1 Sluttiest school in America). The following year, the university ranked in the top ten for sexual assaults, with 32 reported rapes on the New Brunswick campus (Anderson). While students may embrace such notoriety, it also brings damaging implications. Sexual assaults tarnish individuals' reputations and the institutions they represent, often resulting in lifelong consequences for offenders.

In response, colleges nationwide have implemented preventive measures to curb sexual assaults. The transition from high school to college is pivotal, as students shift from highly supervised environments to relative independence. Programs like AlcoholEdu provide essential knowledge on alcohol consumption and its effects, equipping students to make informed decisions. By reducing binge drinking, campuses hope to see a corresponding decline in sexual assaults. Additionally, freshman orientations now include education on sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of consent and recognizing situations where individuals cannot provide it. Under Title IX, schools are mandated to address sexual assault and harassment proactively, ensuring a safer campus environment (Bolger). The Brock Turner case prompted legislative changes in California, broadening the definition of rape and imposing mandatory minimum sentences for assaulting unconscious or intoxicated victims (Dillon).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while sexual assaults have become a concerning aspect of college life, there is hope for change. Institutions are increasingly holding fraternities accountable for promoting indecency and banning platforms like "I’m Shmacked" from exploiting campus life. The Brock Turner case sparked national discourse on sexual assault and inspired legislative reforms. Title IX continues to protect victims and compel schools to adopt preventive measures. Research indicates that educating students in their first year can significantly reduce risky behaviors (Scott-Sheldon, Lori A. J. et al.). Looking forward, we aspire to relegate sexual assaults to history, restoring the simple, enriching college experience.

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