The Controversy Among Men, Women, and Assault

“Now lay on top of me and kiss me.”- One of the many flashbacks from when I was 6-10.
“I thought you were screaming because you liked it.”- I was 18.

Up until 2012, the FBI considered rape to be “committed by men and against women.” Fortunately, times have changed. People have begun to realize that anyone can be sexually assaulted: women, men, children, etc. Yet, even with this in mind, some haven't come to terms with the fact that men too are being subjected to inappropriate behavior without consent. One out of five women and one out of seventy-one men have experienced sexual assault. Those statistics do not include the assaults left unspoken (only thirty-seven percent of the cases are reported), and though the statistics for women are relatively higher than the one for men, this doesn't mean the other percentage should be completely ignored. However, several believe that women, suffering the tragedy about five times more often than men, should first be relieved of having to worry about being attacked before we move onto the topic of gender neutrality in rape.

Since the discussion of rape has intensified, laws preventing the act are being enforced more efficiently. People of power are bringing awareness towards the life-changing brutality that occurs every ninety eight seconds. Television shows like Thirteen Reasons Why and Pretty Little Liars are inspiring victims to speak out and helping those who haven’t been subjected to rape understand a victim’s perspective. The problem is coming to light more and more everyday, and as idolized celebrities are admitting that they too have been exploited, people are growing less afraid to speak up about their situation. Many of these victims have been men that felt uncomfortable about being assaulted. Let’s keep in mind that some forget women are also capable of the treacherous act, because they have a mindset where women are the incapable, co-dependant gender. Journalism teacher, Afif Nasreddine, agrees with the previous notion, he says that “Often enough, the powerless ones are women, and we have made them powerless in every way from economic means to political representation. But men, too, are rendered powerless by gender norms that presume a "femme" man isn't powerful, and men, too, are rendered powerless when they're vested with a machismo mentality.” Henceforth, both sides should be thought of. People should learn that rape cannot be justified or provoked by appearance or attitude — like many rapists claim — and also keep in mind that rape can happen to anyone.