thoughts about some interesting articles on the subject of rape

Giving Birth to a Rapist's Child

When reading this paper the first thing that comes to my mind is how easily and how complexly our minds work. Our brains limit how we perceive the world in a way to make it easier for us, but this also makes us prone to prejudice. The truth is it is extremely difficult to establish a single measure or standard with which the issue of rape and un-intended pregnancies as a result of those rapes can be dealt with. And by dealt with I mean giving the victims of such act the necessary protection, because in the latter case there is more than one victim. What the paper proposes is the fair and most reasonable solution, that is to offer protection by law of not only the women who suffer rape, but also of the children that can be born as a result of an act that is no their or their mother’s responsibility. They are both victims and the system should protect them as such.

The Myth of the Teenage Temptress

One of the most jarring thing I have dealt with coming to the USA from my country was being confronted by the harsh reality of the country’s rape culture. While I cannot deny that rape is also prevalent in many other countries, here the liberty afforded to people and just the sheer numbers can be overwhelming. One thing that is especially disturbing about rape culture is the idea that a person can be “looking for it” or “totally in control”. When phrases like these are used, it is upsettingly clear that victims are being turned into accomplices, in a sick twist of values. But getting to the blog entry itself, I can honestly say I am shocked that a judge would accept a deviant’s reply that a teenager was in control of a situation that she was by no means capable of. The author’s candor was refreshing and really shed a light on one of the biggest problems of rape culture, in light of this recent case. A victim is not responsible for her attacker’s behavior; it is as if I would start using a mask in public because someone told me that they did not like my face and wanted to punch me. While it is not the best example, the basic idea is clear, I should not be asked to do something because other people are unable to control themselves.

Prevent another Steubenville

While I stated previously that we are not responsible for other people’s actions, the third required reading touched upon a point which makes me contradict myself. A person is formed by the environment to which he or she is exposed during their formative years. This would be a truly proactive way to respond to rape culture, and way to ensure that while it is extremely difficult to enact immediate change, change over time can be more easily accomplished even though the results will not be readily apparent. It could fall on a trope that it is the mother’s responsibility to educate their sons, because fathers must also take in this mentality. The mentality of manhood being much more than the macho culture being taught by mass media. I completely agree with the notion that education starts at home, but it is also true that education must also be given in other places where kids gather like schools.