Going on a bit of a rant here...
Please bear with me. I recognize that the issues I'm going to discuss are really hot topics right now, and they're being debated right and left, but I'd like to put in some of my perspective.
As many (if not all) of you know, news of the recent killing spree by Elliot Rodger is being spread like wildfire. Through the internet, television, and even newspapers, this story is bringing the spotlight around to something that many of us on Tumblr have already been discussing: rape culture and its effects on modern women.
Elliot was only one boy - only one sexist, egotistical human male. What he did was a rare case, but one that I believe can be made an example of. There are so many men and boys out there in the world who believe that is their right to objectify women. Who believe that it is okay to wolf whistle and cat call at women on the street. Who think it is perfectly normal and healthy to rape these young women and girls, simply because of the phrase "boys will be boys."
THESE BELIEFS AND ACTIONS ARE NOT OKAY.
It is never okay to take advantage of another person, whether they be male or female. What many people don't realize when matters like these are discussed, is that we feminists aren't only trying to put a stop to the way women are perceived, but as all human beings are perceived. As a feminist, it is my belief and intention that all human beings be treated as just that - Human. Beings.
Many people argue with this belief. They bleat that it is "simply how things are" that people are being objectified. They repeat and repeat that "boys will be boys". They even make excuses for these rapists and violators, excuses such as "Well, if she hadn't been dressed like that, maybe he wouldn't have attacked her."
Speaking of which, when has an article of clothing become a written invitation?! Seriously people, it's getting hot outside. Shorts and tank tops are going to be worn. Even when it's not hot out, we girls like to dress up and feel pretty. And now, quite frankly, I'm scared to. I don't want to make myself feel attractive because I'm afraid I'll be the next rape in a long, long line of people.
I work at night. As a janitor. In a hospital. And I have seen men creeping around dumpsters, parked cars, etc. for hours on end. Just standing there. Waiting. And this is a hospital I'm talking about. I should feel safe, but I don't. I can't feel comfortable in my own work environment because society has taught me that I will be attacked, and there's nothing I will be able to do about it.
I want to see this stop. I want to be able to go to work and feel safe. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. And right now, I live in a world where I am not a person, but a bag of skin with a butt, boobs and a vagina, just waiting to be claimed.
This is not acceptable. Rape always has been, and always will be, rape. And there is nothing, I repeat NOTHING, that will make it the victim's fault.
Let's put an end to rape culture. Let's make sure that every single victim, man, woman, or child, who has ever been violated or abused, or objectified in any way, did not undergo such treatment in vain. I believe that now is the time to act, while the iron is hot. While the world is still watching. Let's raise awareness and help bring an end to the abuse of our fellow humans.
