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Rape Culture in Media
Gender Stereotypes Male Masculinity is often portrayed by showing independence, dominance, and control of emotions and actions. With the pressures of media and common stereotypes, men are sometimes seen as violent and aggressive, especially when it comes to their sexuality and behavior toward women. Further, males are seldom depicted as being caring for others, are often shown displaying limited effort when dealing with children and are rarely depicted as gentle in their disposition. These negative traits propagate the stereotype that men are generally uncaring and unemotional. Female The universal female stereotype displays women as meek, sensitive, loving and family-oriented compared to the standard male. Stereotypical femininity generally depicts women as sex objects that are young, thin, and smaller than men. Women tend to be categorized as housewives, sidekicks, martyrs, and victims in films and T.V programs, emphasizing their stereotypes by demonstrating passive and dependent roles. The standard cultural image of a woman exemplifies beauty and lust, as well as submissiveness to men. This sense of passiveness by women can also propagate the belief that they are the inferior of the two sexes; this can contribute to the sense that rape is somehow acceptable. |
Media and Pop Culture: Do you need to speak to someone?
For decades, media and pop culture have portrayed men and women through strict stereotypes that can be observed in films, books, music videos, and magazines. Traits such as the sexual aggressiveness of the male along with the compliance of the female that are often highlighted in pop culture has reinforced these gender stereotypes and has led society to believe that some deviant behaviors are acceptable, given their extensive broadcasting and normalization.
A recurring theme in media is the consistent portrayal of women as objects of sexual desire when engaging in a relationship with a male. “The irony of this representation is that the very qualities women are encouraged to develop (beauty, sexiness, passivity, and powerlessness) in order to meet cultural ideals of femininity contribute to their victimization. Also, the qualities that men are urged to exemplify (aggressiveness, dominance, sexuality, and strength) are identical to those linked to abuse of women”(36). Women are rarely lauded for their intelligence and accomplishments in media, and are depicted by their bodies and how men perceive them.
One of the largest contributors to females being depicted as sexual entities is through advertisements, such as those present in magazines. Even if magazines are advertising for clothing or makeup, women are often unclothed, and are modeling in ways that may seem seductive or suggestive. Despite the product that is being promoted, women are oriented and dressed in a way that is meant to attract and please men and stimulate their sexual interests.
Below are examples of popular advertisements from Cosmopolitan, Dolce & Gabbana, and American Apparel, portraying women in a provocative and inappropriate manner.
For decades, media and pop culture have portrayed men and women through strict stereotypes that can be observed in films, books, music videos, and magazines. Traits such as the sexual aggressiveness of the male along with the compliance of the female that are often highlighted in pop culture has reinforced these gender stereotypes and has led society to believe that some deviant behaviors are acceptable, given their extensive broadcasting and normalization.
A recurring theme in media is the consistent portrayal of women as objects of sexual desire when engaging in a relationship with a male. “The irony of this representation is that the very qualities women are encouraged to develop (beauty, sexiness, passivity, and powerlessness) in order to meet cultural ideals of femininity contribute to their victimization. Also, the qualities that men are urged to exemplify (aggressiveness, dominance, sexuality, and strength) are identical to those linked to abuse of women”(36). Women are rarely lauded for their intelligence and accomplishments in media, and are depicted by their bodies and how men perceive them.
One of the largest contributors to females being depicted as sexual entities is through advertisements, such as those present in magazines. Even if magazines are advertising for clothing or makeup, women are often unclothed, and are modeling in ways that may seem seductive or suggestive. Despite the product that is being promoted, women are oriented and dressed in a way that is meant to attract and please men and stimulate their sexual interests.
Below are examples of popular advertisements from Cosmopolitan, Dolce & Gabbana, and American Apparel, portraying women in a provocative and inappropriate manner.
An industry that holds some of the most responsibility for advertising women’s sexuality and promoting sexual aggression from men is the pornography business and X-rated films. While graphic sexual material presented within this advertisement may not be harmful, some pornography may approvingly display violent actions and sadistic behaviors as pleasurable, and therefore acceptable within a relationship. Primary themes of dominance of the man over the woman “and more than 80% of X-rated films in one study included scenes in which one or more men dominate and exploit one or more women. Within these films, three fourths portray physical aggression against women, and fully half explicitly depict rape”(38).
Music videos, radio stations, and television channels such as MTV also showcase the disregard of women’s sexuality. Typically, women are displayed dancing invitingly in little to no clothing, targeting and provoking men’s sexual interests. Within this type of media, such behavior often leads to men physically abusing or pressuring women into sexual activities for cinematic purposes. Media portrays this violent behavior as attractive, enabling the public to believe that this forcefulness is typical or even desirable. In regards to music, even though visuals are not necessarily involved, vulgar and inappropriate lyrics contribute equally to the degradation of women. An example of this is R&B artist Robin Thicke’s popular hit “Blurred Lines”, which critics are saying is promoting rape through its offensive lyrics. The controversial song has generated an abundance of negative criticism, illustrated through articles, blogs, and news broadcastings. Many articles, including The Huffington Post, has deemed Thicke's song as sounding "rape-y", generating some disapproval from the public. CNN, specifically, discusses the song, as well as the content present in the music video:
Music videos, radio stations, and television channels such as MTV also showcase the disregard of women’s sexuality. Typically, women are displayed dancing invitingly in little to no clothing, targeting and provoking men’s sexual interests. Within this type of media, such behavior often leads to men physically abusing or pressuring women into sexual activities for cinematic purposes. Media portrays this violent behavior as attractive, enabling the public to believe that this forcefulness is typical or even desirable. In regards to music, even though visuals are not necessarily involved, vulgar and inappropriate lyrics contribute equally to the degradation of women. An example of this is R&B artist Robin Thicke’s popular hit “Blurred Lines”, which critics are saying is promoting rape through its offensive lyrics. The controversial song has generated an abundance of negative criticism, illustrated through articles, blogs, and news broadcastings. Many articles, including The Huffington Post, has deemed Thicke's song as sounding "rape-y", generating some disapproval from the public. CNN, specifically, discusses the song, as well as the content present in the music video:
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The content that is prevalent within mainstream media is largely a reflection of the cultural values that are observed in the United States and those countries that share popular culture with it. Such ideologies strongly advocate male supremacy and domination over women, both sexually and in status, reinforcing gender-stereotypes that are commonly seen in movies, music, and advertisements. As these types of media are seen daily and broadly throughout the typical American life, people often become desensitized to the sexual violence that is present. This legitimizes the impudence that is seen against women. Ultimately, this desensitization has created a culture in which the public is led to believe that rape is normal and a part of society. The neutralizing of such a controversial issue has dissuaded many victims from seeking out justice, since it seems to be a forlorn hope when the public displays such an affinity for the provocative material that is embedded our media.
Current Examples of Rape in Pop Culture Do you need to speak to someone?
University of Virginia
Rolling Stone Magazine’s article “A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA” was recently published, detailing the rape case of an University of Virginia freshman. She was viciously assaulted and raped by seven fraternity men while at a party. Once the incident was over and the victim was able to escape back to her dorm room, her friends discouraged her from telling anyone about what had happened in order to preserve her reputation, as well as the university’s. Years after the incident, the victim regretfully admits, “Everything bad in my life now is built around that one bad decision that I made…all because I went to that stupid party." Not only does UVA cherish their title as one of the best schools in the country, but also greatly pride themselves on their party culture, earning the title of the nation’s number-one party school, according to Playboy. Students along with the administration of the university thus make substantial efforts to retain these titles by sweeping the issue of rape and sexual assault under the rug. It was reported that the UVA’s Sexual Misconduct Board canceled an interview for this article, and even UVA’s president refused to answer any questions about UVA’s sexual assault management. As administration and others with the most authority over the situation don’t cooperate, it is increasingly difficult for victims to receive the proper justice that they deserve. Like many college students, UVA students are pressured to keep rapes quiet, in order to neutralize the true gravity of sexual assaults.
Bill Cosby: Alleged Sexual Assault Accusations:
National icon Bill Cosby, is famous for his popular family-friendly comedy series The Cosby Show, but entertainment has recently suspended the show in light of the resurfacing of an alleged rape accusation against Cosby. Across several news stations and magazines, sixteen women have come forth stating that they have been sexually assaulted by Cosby, twelve of whom claim to have also been drugged by him. The Washington Post was able to interview some of these women, ranging from a former Playboy Playmate to a high school age waitress. The accusations extend back all the way to the 1960’s, Cosby’s beginning years as a comedian, to the mid-2000’s, when his career was well-established. It is believed that the accusations have remained suppressed until recently due to the changing attitudes towards sexual assault and the increasing likelihood that society would believe victimized women. Others, however, believe that it is impossible for such a large number of cases to have remained silent for so long and are now just being recognized due to other factors. Cosby has both denied and refused to discuss certain cases, and pending further investigation, the beloved sitcom and live comedy shows have been postponed.
University of Virginia
Rolling Stone Magazine’s article “A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA” was recently published, detailing the rape case of an University of Virginia freshman. She was viciously assaulted and raped by seven fraternity men while at a party. Once the incident was over and the victim was able to escape back to her dorm room, her friends discouraged her from telling anyone about what had happened in order to preserve her reputation, as well as the university’s. Years after the incident, the victim regretfully admits, “Everything bad in my life now is built around that one bad decision that I made…all because I went to that stupid party." Not only does UVA cherish their title as one of the best schools in the country, but also greatly pride themselves on their party culture, earning the title of the nation’s number-one party school, according to Playboy. Students along with the administration of the university thus make substantial efforts to retain these titles by sweeping the issue of rape and sexual assault under the rug. It was reported that the UVA’s Sexual Misconduct Board canceled an interview for this article, and even UVA’s president refused to answer any questions about UVA’s sexual assault management. As administration and others with the most authority over the situation don’t cooperate, it is increasingly difficult for victims to receive the proper justice that they deserve. Like many college students, UVA students are pressured to keep rapes quiet, in order to neutralize the true gravity of sexual assaults.
Bill Cosby: Alleged Sexual Assault Accusations:
National icon Bill Cosby, is famous for his popular family-friendly comedy series The Cosby Show, but entertainment has recently suspended the show in light of the resurfacing of an alleged rape accusation against Cosby. Across several news stations and magazines, sixteen women have come forth stating that they have been sexually assaulted by Cosby, twelve of whom claim to have also been drugged by him. The Washington Post was able to interview some of these women, ranging from a former Playboy Playmate to a high school age waitress. The accusations extend back all the way to the 1960’s, Cosby’s beginning years as a comedian, to the mid-2000’s, when his career was well-established. It is believed that the accusations have remained suppressed until recently due to the changing attitudes towards sexual assault and the increasing likelihood that society would believe victimized women. Others, however, believe that it is impossible for such a large number of cases to have remained silent for so long and are now just being recognized due to other factors. Cosby has both denied and refused to discuss certain cases, and pending further investigation, the beloved sitcom and live comedy shows have been postponed.
Colleges and rape culture Do you need to speak to someone?
Fraternities and Rape Culture
In a chapter of the book Transforming A Rape Culture, Chris O’Sullivan (a social psychologist) writes about fraternities and their relation to the rape culture. He writes about how “people are often more aggressive in groups than they would be individually” and loyalty to a group can lead to identification with the group’s ethics over your own ethics. Also, identifying to one group can lead to “heedless aggression” when being under the influence of “alcohol, excitement, noise, anonymity, de-individuation, and even darkness.”[1]
Competition is common among male friendships, and sex serves as a “competitive arena” which may lead to exploitation of women due to men wanting to impress their male counterparts with their sexual acts. According to the definition of masculinity within our culture, if a man experiences success in his sexual relations, then he has achieved a sense of masculinity. With this masculinity and competition based relationships, it is observed that man will try their best “score” with a woman and make them do whatever they want. [2] It was noted that “... group sexual assaults on campus, ... and the majority of gang rapes were perpetrated by fraternity men.” [3] Generally, these men live in a private home, together, take part in all of the same activities within their exclusive environment. The grouping of these men are one of the reasons why they are more likely to take part in collective sex acts with one woman. [4]
The book continued to go into detail about how fraternities cultivate an environment that is accepting of rape. Pledging and rushing at fraternities often involves performing odd sexual rituals and certain sexual acts which are designed to humiliate women. In an example of a pledging ritual given in the book, a ritual in which the men surrounded sorority women at the dinner table was performed; one man read a lecture on Freud while another engaged in performing explicit actions upon an inanimate object. Also, an additional pledge requirement was for a pledge to have sex with a teenager. [5]
Due to all of the competition and sexual practices involved with fraternities, a common group aggression is found to be apparent within the fraternity houses. With this aggression and certain environments created by the fraternities, sexual behaviors and prejudice can occur. Lastly, it was noted that “fraternities encourage behavior in young men that falls along a continuum of sexual violence.” As such, it is contended that ridding colleges of fraternities would be a positive step toward mending the rape culture. [6]
In an article written by BBC, they state that studies have been conducted in which the average collegiate male was compared to men in fraternities. Within these studies, it was found that fraternity men are three times more likely to commit rape or sexual violence. In the below video, the interviewer consults a woman about her experience as a rape victim at a fraternity party. Further, a classroom of students is interviewed and asked if they thought rape was a problem. A student from the classroom described how she knew rape was a common occurrence around campus, and that rape should be on every girl's mind. Lastly, a fraternity member was interviewed, and he mentioned how girls going to fraternity parties and wearing provocative clothing makes them susceptible to having sex. More than 70 schools have accusations against them for improperly dealing with sexual assault cases and are currently marked for federal investigations. [7]
Due to all of the competition and sexual practices involved with fraternities, a common group aggression is found to be apparent within the fraternity houses. With this aggression and certain environments created by the fraternities, sexual behaviors and prejudice can occur. Lastly, it was noted that “fraternities encourage behavior in young men that falls along a continuum of sexual violence.” As such, it is contended that ridding colleges of fraternities would be a positive step toward mending the rape culture. [6]
In an article written by BBC, they state that studies have been conducted in which the average collegiate male was compared to men in fraternities. Within these studies, it was found that fraternity men are three times more likely to commit rape or sexual violence. In the below video, the interviewer consults a woman about her experience as a rape victim at a fraternity party. Further, a classroom of students is interviewed and asked if they thought rape was a problem. A student from the classroom described how she knew rape was a common occurrence around campus, and that rape should be on every girl's mind. Lastly, a fraternity member was interviewed, and he mentioned how girls going to fraternity parties and wearing provocative clothing makes them susceptible to having sex. More than 70 schools have accusations against them for improperly dealing with sexual assault cases and are currently marked for federal investigations. [7]
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Michigan State University
On February 25th, 2014, an article written by Fox 17, West Michigan News stated that “Michigan State University is at the center of a federal investigation, accused of mishandling reported cases of sexual assault.” A member of the Sexual Assault Intervention Team claimed that victims and survivors of rape or sexual assault “don’t generally get the attention that they need.” Swanson talked about how Michigan State University does not take some victims seriously enough, and she believes that since the university doesn’t take the victims seriously and deals with the situation inappropriately, it creates a bigger cultural problem. Back when the article was written, “the most recent crime data published by the MSU Police Department in 2012 14 sexual assaults were reported on campus to university police[,]” 13 were reported in 2011, and 11 were reported in 2010. When observing this data, speculation is important because this is merely the sexual assaults reported.
On February 25th, 2014, an article written by Fox 17, West Michigan News stated that “Michigan State University is at the center of a federal investigation, accused of mishandling reported cases of sexual assault.” A member of the Sexual Assault Intervention Team claimed that victims and survivors of rape or sexual assault “don’t generally get the attention that they need.” Swanson talked about how Michigan State University does not take some victims seriously enough, and she believes that since the university doesn’t take the victims seriously and deals with the situation inappropriately, it creates a bigger cultural problem. Back when the article was written, “the most recent crime data published by the MSU Police Department in 2012 14 sexual assaults were reported on campus to university police[,]” 13 were reported in 2011, and 11 were reported in 2010. When observing this data, speculation is important because this is merely the sexual assaults reported.
At Michigan State University, a program is in place for incoming freshman known as SARV (Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence). This program is in place in order to raise awareness about sexual assault and relationship violence and to prevent it. The program lasts only about an hour and covers a lot of information such as signs and levels of relationship violence, and how to recognize sexual assault cues and who to contact when you have been sexually assaulted. Although the program is very important to inform incoming college freshmen about sexual assault and relationship violence, some would argue that this isn’t enough.
Why are colleges not addressing rape culture and how do we fix it?
According to SARV, college campuses are not truly addressing rape culture and giving it the attention that it deserves. The highest occurring violent crime on college campuses in the United States is rape. In the United States, one in five women and six percent of men are raped within their lifetime. [8] Most rape cases are perpetrated by an acquaintance of the victim which could be a reason why rape and sexual assault are relatively common at fraternity parties on college campuses.
Rape culture shows rape as a common occurrence and is normalized by societal demeanor and popular culture. In an article written within Ms. Magazine, Caroline Heldman and Baillee Brown write “rape is tacitly condoned through denial of the rape epidemic, denial of the harms of rape, not considering rape [as] a “real” crime, victim-blaming, trivializing rape, and the normalization of female sexual objectification and rape eroticization in pop culture.” They explain that a change or shift in rape culture will most likely not emerge very quickly, but can be attained by “doing four things: Establish a clear definition of consent[;] educate students about sexual violence laws[;] send a clear message that sexual violence of any kind will not be tolerated on campus[;] and establish, publish and enforce strong sanction for sexual violence on campus.”
Why are colleges not addressing rape culture and how do we fix it?
According to SARV, college campuses are not truly addressing rape culture and giving it the attention that it deserves. The highest occurring violent crime on college campuses in the United States is rape. In the United States, one in five women and six percent of men are raped within their lifetime. [8] Most rape cases are perpetrated by an acquaintance of the victim which could be a reason why rape and sexual assault are relatively common at fraternity parties on college campuses.
Rape culture shows rape as a common occurrence and is normalized by societal demeanor and popular culture. In an article written within Ms. Magazine, Caroline Heldman and Baillee Brown write “rape is tacitly condoned through denial of the rape epidemic, denial of the harms of rape, not considering rape [as] a “real” crime, victim-blaming, trivializing rape, and the normalization of female sexual objectification and rape eroticization in pop culture.” They explain that a change or shift in rape culture will most likely not emerge very quickly, but can be attained by “doing four things: Establish a clear definition of consent[;] educate students about sexual violence laws[;] send a clear message that sexual violence of any kind will not be tolerated on campus[;] and establish, publish and enforce strong sanction for sexual violence on campus.”
Read More:
Geek Feminism Wiki-Rape Culture - Read more about gender stereotypes, rape culture in action throughout society, and how we can combat rape culture. Access other literature on rape culture and sexual harassment form a variety of others, and learn about rape culture's presence in other less publicized media sources, such as video games and science fiction.
Ten Things to End Rape Culture - Learn about what can be done to change the existing status about rape culture and ten useful tips on how society can create a violence-free environment.
Is There A Rape Culture in Politics? - Rape culture is not only seen in pop culture and social media, is it also present in law enforcement, judicial systems, and education. Read about how rape culture is equally pervasive in politics.
Geek Feminism Wiki-Rape Culture - Read more about gender stereotypes, rape culture in action throughout society, and how we can combat rape culture. Access other literature on rape culture and sexual harassment form a variety of others, and learn about rape culture's presence in other less publicized media sources, such as video games and science fiction.
Ten Things to End Rape Culture - Learn about what can be done to change the existing status about rape culture and ten useful tips on how society can create a violence-free environment.
Is There A Rape Culture in Politics? - Rape culture is not only seen in pop culture and social media, is it also present in law enforcement, judicial systems, and education. Read about how rape culture is equally pervasive in politics.