College Men and Rape by blogger Katiera

The truths behind rape on college campuses are unsettling. About one-third of college men report that they would commit rape if they knew they would get away with the crime. When the word rape is not used, this percentage rises to more than half.

The behaviors and thoughts surrounding sex and rape are deeply engrained in our culture, and are learned at a young age. College men not only have a responsibility to not force sex on a person who does not or cannot consent, but to help prevent their male peers from doing the same. Expecting the victims of rape, who are predominantly female and/or LGBTA+ individuals, to shoulder this burden alone will ensure the source of the issue will never be fully addressed.

The push to reduce such drastic rates of rape can fall under the feminism movement, which seeks to reverse the harmful culture patriarchy has created in our society. But many men and women alike still hold harmful, stereotypical views of feminists: that they are irrational, angry, man-hating women. Being a feminist solely means that you believe both men and women should have equal opportunities and rights in their society. Most people would agree with this sentiment. Not only can men be feminists, but they should be, and by identifying as such they can help eliminate the negative stigmas surrounding the topic. Feminism is not exclusive, nor are its benefits. On college campuses, education must extend to these crucial and pertinent issues.