jandenblanc

[jandenblanc]

What is Rape Culture and Why it Should be Stopped.

Trigger Warning: This post mentions rape, catcalling, and the like. Please do not read if you are uncomfortable with such topics and seek help if you need it.

Whether it is by asserting that catcalling is a form of praise or mocking a rape victim’s reluctance to come forward, rape culture runs rampant among Philippine society. Rape Culture pertains to a problematic environment in which sexual violence is excused and normalized. This can also lead to abuse being glorified and even popularized in various forms of media in the form of jokes and unsolicited pictures of private areas.

How many times must we cry that what we wear does not mean consent? How many people must cower in fear when questioned if they “made the first move” in the first place? Rape Culture is harmful to everyone as it presents stereotypes and false beliefs about rape. Our society causes a stir of judgmental whispers just because someone wore a tank top outside. My advocacy is to put a stop to this as a woman who has experienced fear of being harassed on the streets and as a friend of people who are rape victims. People, especially women, are often harassed just because they dressed up and society perceives these actions are justified. While Catholicism is prevalent in the Philippines, and that wearing revealing clothes can be called immodest, people would seemingly forget that sexual assault is also a sin itself. Ask yourselves. How do clothes justify sexual assault when even infants, the elderly, and even animals get raped? Why do people still ask about clothing and invalidate fears when it comes to victims of sexual assault?

Rape Culture discourages rape victims to speak up. Rape Culture encourages rape itself and provides excuses to justify it. Abuse can come in many forms and from different people. We all must educate ourselves and educate others to stop the spread. With this, we can help the victims and create a better and safer society for ourselves and our children.

Image Used: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a4/c6/c2/a4c6c2431c60da2460c62958fc6f11a3.jpg