The epidemic of Rape culture - by blogger Snehal

What is Rape culture? There is no single generic definition of Rape culture as it incorporates all acts, images, laws, prevalent attitudes, jokes, norms, words etc that considers sexual coercion and violence against women to be normal; thus making rape an inevitable act. Rape culture is a social evil often misconstrued to be a mere nonexistent term, unacceptable in the social arena. The fact is Rape culture is an offspring of the social mindset that nourishes misogyny, violent masculinity and inequality among the sexes, hence making it a no big deal situation. Objectification of women is so deep rooted in the world outside that stigmatizing overpowers humanity and rape survivors have to face the socio-political, socio – cultural wrath.

The tendency to blame the rape victims is backed by the thought process and decisive beliefs of the fault finding observers. It is assumed that the victim has done something concrete to attract the assault. If stigmatization is so important then stigmatize the rapist for his wrong .When social pressures are asserted to victimize the rape survivors, they end up building a prison full of faults in their minds. Such an internal suffocation injures the victim gravely in comparison to the physical one.  The perpetrators are not solely responsible for creation of this rape culture; it is also the society who should take equal responsibility for letting this rape culture affirm its roots. So let us all pledge today to uproot this rape culture and destroy it forever.

Here is how we can put an end to the rape culture:

1.       Co-relating rape to the attire of the victim is not appropriate. Women wearing long, full, decent dresses have also been raped.

2.       Teaching boys and girls to respect each other. As a parent or a teacher it is our duty to imbibe the qualities of compassion, empathy and kindness in your children/ students. This will mould them to be good human beings.

3.       Men should also step forward to condemn rape and rape culture. Likewise, it is better to teach boys not to rape girls than teaching girls not to get raped.

4.       Rape is not inevitable. Never consider it to be one. It is a serious issue that needs to be addressed properly. It is important to penalize the perpetrators of rape.

5.       Stop blaming the victims for rapes. It’s not their fault. Never be a dumb bystander witnessing sexual assault. Try fighting it out.

As a feminist, I feel rape culture is the result of ignorance and illiteracy concerning rape. Friends, it’s time that we work together to spread awareness and eradicate this epidemic that not only disgraces women but also wounds their souls.