We're Not All That Different by Benedictine University blogger Karly

It is hard for men to grasp. The way that women look at sexual assault is different from the way that men look at it, but it should not be that way. There are many ways that men can participate in the movement of feminism that is occurring today.

First off, men should educate themselves. If they do not know what the new wave of feminism means then they will not be able to help spread the movement. Feminism can mean many different things; some of those things may even have a negative feel to them. But that is only because those people who see feminism as a negative thing fail to truly understand why it is so important. Women have fought so hard to just have the same privileges that men do. So you would think that men would want to know a little bit more about the reasons behind this movement.

After men understand what the new wave of feminism means, they can get involved by supporting groups that women lead and are passionate about. Many men may feel like they cannot understand what feminism is because they are men and will never have the same view that us women do. To an extent, this is true but that does not mean they can’t try to get involved and help out the movement. One day we can see how true equality between men and women can work. An example of something that men might see differently than women is sexual assault at colleges. Because the majority of the sexual assaults that occur on campuses are men attacking women, the issue comes off as being the woman’s one. However, that is an issue in itself. Male dominance continues to play a big role in sexual assaults. Society tends to feel bad for the women that get attacked and no one ever thinks twice about blaming the man who attacked her because he was dominate in the situation and she was helpless. I am not saying that it is going to be easy to change or at least for a second open the eyes of those who cannot see the issue that lives within sexual assaults. However if men are willing to try to understand, that is already a step in the right direction.

Students Should Speak Up by Benedictine University blogger Karly

It is a scary topic. Most people feel uncomfortable when it is brought up but the truth of the matter is it has to be talked about. College students rarely discuss the issue of sexual assaults on campuses. Being a college student myself, I will admit that it is a very difficult topic to grasp because the reality is that unfortunate incidents of sexual assaults do happen on college campuses. However, most of us do not realize that it is really up to us to make a difference to prevent assaults from happening in the future. Here are a few ways that college students can get involved to help prevent sexual assaults on campus.

Increase male participation- In my personal opinion I feel that more girls than guys at colleges are aware of the topic of sexual assaults and how to prevent them from happening. If more boys were aware of the outcomes that assaults cause on the victims I feel that they will hopefully get more involved and spread the word of awareness.

Don’t get involved with the wrong people- We can only do so much to try and prevent sexual assaults from happening at college, but unfortunately it still does happen so the most important thing to do is to be smart and don’t make bad choices or put yourself into sticky situations and hopefully this wil be the biggest aspect in preventing sexual assault.

Be more than a Bystander - Don’t be afraid to speak up. I know that it can be really hard if someone that you are close to or are friends with is a victim of sexual assault but in the long run it will benefit them if you SPEAK UP and tell someone that can do something about it so that it does not happen again.

If the unfortunate incident of a sexual assault occurs on a college campus students should make the victim feel comfortable, giving them a safe environment.  

To be or not to be- by blogger Snehal Gajare

Is it a sin to be born as a woman or is it a blessing to be born as a man? This question has been haunting mankind for ages together.  Gender roles were never inscribed in rule books but have been imposed stringently on both the sexes by the society. We as humans have accustomed ourselves to the societal guidelines of ideals and behaviour that we often refrain from distinguishing what is ethically right or wrong. The rat race of societal acceptance has compelled the sexes to follow their respective gender roles. This led to the emergence of misogyny, the urge for sexual entitlement, power, dominant ideologies, oppression and finally “Rapes”.

Men are always construed to be stronger than women. This belief explicitly restricts them from showing any emotions of fear or sadness. On the other hand women are expected to be more sensitive and feminine. This belief restricts their freedom totally. Men who cry or express their feelings are often construed to be weak or gay whereas women who walk shoulder to shoulder with men are considered to be extremely bold and are referred as tomboys. As a woman, I personally feel that every person (be it a man or a woman) has the right to express oneself and engage in activities that shape their personality. These socially carved gender roles create a sense of dominance among the men and this encourages them to have sexual triumphs over women resulting in rapes. Various studies have also revealed that men rape women either to seek revenge or as a punishment. Objectification of woman as a means of sexual entitlement is deep rooted in the society. Moreover, women are blamed for their rapes merely on the grounds of weaker sex.

The society needs to understand that there is no justification for rape.  I’m not saying that only women are raped. Even men are subjected to rape. The traditional views of masculinity and Femininity and ‘acceptable behaviour’ for both the sexes have to be redefined. To conclude I prefer to state that blaming a rape victim, male or female is a sin. To be or not to be born as a man or a woman is always a blessing and not a sin.