The Mythology of Rape
be raped can always prevent it. She may be knocked unconscious, or may submit because she fears for her life if she resists. Most men are physically stronger than most women, and the attacker usually has the advantage of surprise. There have been instances where experienced policewomen, trained in self-defense and emergency situations, have been raped, despite their efforts at resistance. There are many men, especially in American prisons, who are attacked and sexually assaulted by their fellow male inmates, despite their superior strength.
8. The common male belief that women, in fact enjoy rape when it occurs would be hilarious if it wasn't such a tragic and destructive myth. The very idea that a woman could enjoy being attacked by a man she is not attracted to, that she could enjoy being exposed to injury or death, that she could enjoy being treated in a humiliating and brutal fashion is preposterous.
So the question is, "How do we stop rape?" As long as each of us lets that sexist comment pass, as long as we smile but say nothing when we observe sexist treatmen of another human being, smirk when someone tells a sexist joke, and accept what we know to be morally wrong, then we will have a society that accepts rape. We, as individuals, make up the society in which we live and have the ability to influence--even if it is one person at a time.
Stopping rape means challenging not only our perception, but also those of the people around us. It requires speaking up and taking a stand when it would be much easier to be silent. For as long as we accept the attitudes and behaviors that promote rape, we will have rape. The answer is simple: do not accept the unacceptable. The important things in life are often simple, but do not ever mistake simple for being easy.
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