Rape Culture: I do not think it means what you think it means
I'd like to say a few things about rape culture. Mainly what it is, what it isn't, and why your knee-jerk reaction isn't necessary. Rape culture exists. And we pretty much all contribute to it. Yes, even I do. Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. Rape Culture is NOT a bunch of dudes standing around drugging drinks and talking about how they can't wait until a chick gets raped. Those dudes exist, but that is NOT what rape culture is. When I say "you contribute to rape culture," it does NOT mean that you're okay with rape. It doesn't mean that you like it, that you think it's not a huge problem, that you wouldn't do everything in your power to stop it if you get the opportunity. It means that you contribute to a ubiquitous and pervasive society that frequently reduces women to sex objects. My frequent use o...