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.

Rape Prevention by blogger Shaleen

It is common knowledge that many traditional families instill the thought that men should “protect” women but when it comes to stopping or acknowledging a possible sexual assault, many question themselves. We see all the time in movies that when men see an assault, he stutters or questions himself and how he would be viewed. Many colleges are stopping the victim from speaking out of even pressing charges. The lack of prevention is outstanding because educated human beings should know that it is not a woman’s fault, ever.

Women are taught to not get raped instead of men getting taught not to rape. It’s a simple enough concept but then again, it happens. Zerlina Maxwell from Ebony.com, wrote an article called, “5 Ways We Can Teach Men Not to Rape.” I understand where articles like the get their theme of the article but that thought should be instilled in everyone from birth. It should not have to be taught.

Every man and woman are responsible for their actions, including not stopping someone be raped. Education equals prevention. There are many men who are feminists from Jimmy Carter to Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Where these men consider themselves a feminist or the media spanned their words, I’ll never know. All that aside, feminism is the radical notion that all women are human beings.

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.