Reality of rape

On Feb. 13, the IDS published a letter to the editor that exhibited the ignorance that permeates our society regarding rape entitled “Share the Blame.”

To summarize, the author informed the IDS that these articles make the public “unreasonably worried” about sexual assault and urged us all to place rape responsibility on the victim.

Many people will read Michael’s letter and think, “Good point.”

How terrible to perpetuate this ignorant attitude.

We were pleased to see a response from Rachel, a brave rape victim who spoke against Michael in the IDS on Feb. 21.

As a student organization focused on mental health advocacy, we’d like to offer our voice in her support from a non-survivor viewpoint.

As Rachel mentions, victim blaming only furthers the mental health ramifications of the trauma. We urge the student body to think critically about the victim-blaming attitude Michael Barbieri expressed. He is one person, but he unfortunately represents many others on campus.

He says, “If you play with fire, you’re going to get burnt.” This line of thinking would suggest that someone who was injured when another car hit hers is to blame because she decided to drive, and that is just asking for trouble.

That doesn’t make sense — we expect other drivers not to hit our cars without explicitly telling them not to.

It’s the same with sex and consent, ladies and gentlemen.

If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a NO. It’s rape, and it’s not the victim’s fault.

Michael’s response perpetuates a tired idea of rape culture that people should just learn to adapt to unacceptable situations and social expectations.

Women and men alike have the right to wear what they like, go out and have fun, and interact with interesting people without fear for their safety or body.

When victims’ rights are violated, we need to show them empathy, not point fingers. Sexy clothes and drunkenness don’t cause rape.

Rapists cause rape. That’s the reality.

­— Crimson CORPS