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KitSileya

(4,035 posts)
6. 98% per cent of rapists are men,
Wed Oct 30, 2013, 11:08 AM
Oct 2013

so yes, it's natural to say men rape. However, the reinforcing of boundaries will benefit all genders - many have problems saying no to a plethora of things. For example, not only should we stop men who pressure women to drink more than they want to, but since the largest alcohol factor in rape is whether the rapist has had alcohol - men who drink are more likely to disregard lack of consent - stopping anyone from pressuring women AND men to drink is beneficial. Other women can help here too. The problem has been that pretty much all talk about the responsibility of stopping rape has been laid at the feet of two groups - potential victims, and victims. Not only is that horribly, terribly unfair, it is also pretty nigh impossible to do without ending up sounding victim-blamey.

Campaigns that target bystanders and give them clear and concise advice about typical behaviors of potential rapists, and ways to stop them, seem to me to be the most efficient way of reducing rape. Pushing alcohol, test boundaries, physically isolating the target, narrowing the target's options - those are rapists' strategies.

Not only that, it will make many, many social circles a lot safer for women if we can crack down on creepers and those whose behavior makes women feel uncomfortable - regardless of whether these (mostly) guys intend to rape or not. Intent is not magical, and when a socially inept guy creeps, it's just as uncomfortable as when a rapist creeps. A rape joke may be in bad taste, or it may be a way to test boundaries. If it is cracked down upon, it makes for a safer place for survivors and others regardless of why it was told.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Rebuttal to Emily Yoffee:...»Reply #6