http://msmagazine.com/blog/2013/09/26/rape-its-your-fault/
Video may be a trigger!
So we have been talking about rape a lot lately so I thought I would add this to the discussion. Today in class we talked about 'women's issues,' and how a lot of the time there seems to be no way to change this backwards idea. Victim blaming is a key way to keep subordination alive, and well in society. Therefore, to counter attack victim blaming All Indian Blackchod created a parody on victim blaming. Just watch it ladies and be amazed. For me personally I think more commercials like this need to be put out on the air. It brings light to the ignorance, and cruelty of victim blaming. The end of the parody was extremely moving because of all the real-life women that come onto the screen, and say that is was there fault. By allowing issues of rape, and assault to still be classed as women's issues the fault will always stay on women. Also male victims will never be recognized, and their stories will be lost. I would like to add though that there are more things that need to be talked about in regards to rape and assault. Most importantly is that these acts happen in the gay community. I know this may seem common knowledge to many people, but I think that the gay community is overlooked when it comes to rape and assault. By not assessing the spectrum of rapes many people will be left to deal with forced perpetration.
This was such a powerful video...It was incredible. I love the use of a parody as a form of activism. Like the article said, for those individuals that actually understand it, there is such a powerful message involved. I also agree with you that we cannot list rape and assault as women's issues. It is an issue that everybody faces, regardless of gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. When women are raped, it is because they "were asking for it because of how they dressed or because they consumed alcohol," if men are assaulted or raped, well, men simply cannot get raped or assaulted according to our societal standards. Our society NEEDS to be educated on sexual assault and how it really can happen to anyone.
ReplyDeleteYou both make really good points. Unfortunately, if I'm being honest, I think I'm guilty of stereotyping this as a women's issue. I suspect to be the reason to be that I do not encounter discussions or victims of male or gay community sexual assault often. Both in our SLU community and in the media, these topics are seriously under-examined. While serious misconceptions still exist over women's assault, I feel that the prevalence of such violence is at least broadly recognized- the same cannot be said for the issues Jessica raises. How do we change this?
ReplyDeleteThis was such a powerful video... I am guilty of viewing the issue of rape culture, victim-blaming culture from an American-woman only perspective, an even with the recent trial in India over the gang rape of that woman, I still tend to think of this as an issue only Americans face... glad my Indian sisters could bring to light my narrow mindedness!
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