Feature

As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it

In a world where sex sells and taboo’s are no longer, we have created a fine
line between what is considered consensual and what constitutes as rape. We have
created a culture where victims are blamed and assaults are trivialized. After all,
“boys will be boys” and “she asked for it.”

In the past century women have progressed largely. From voting rights to
holding positions of authority, we’ve come a long way. However, there is still an
underlying sense of degradation from men. Girls are taught to dress modestly, when
the real initiative should be in teaching boys respect. Women ought to be viewed as
equals, not property.

According to Marshall University, rape culture is “An environment in which

rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and
excused in the media and popular culture.” From video games to magazine
advertisements, women are consistently portrayed as sexual objects. Our own
government leaders have been caught stating their true feelings about rape and
sexual assault. A direct quote from former Texas Republican gubernatorial
contender, Clayton Williams, stated, “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie
back and enjoy it.” To boot

Statistics from the rape, abuse and incest national network – otherwise
known as RAINN – show that “Every two minutes an American is sexually assaulted,
and that each year, there are about 237,868 victims of sexual assault.”

Katie Stiel, the program manager for the University of Utah Center for
Student Wellness, gave her knowledge on the subject. “The exact definition of “rape”
and “sexual abuse” differs by state.” Stiel stated, “The FBI defines rape as:
“Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or
object, or oral penetration by sex organ of another person, without the consent of
the victim.””

Utah’s definition of rape states, “A person commits unlawful sexual activity

with a minor if the perpetrator: Has sexual intercourse with a minor, Engages in any
sexual act with the minor involving the genitals of one person and the mouth or
anus of another person, regardless of the sex of either participant, and Causes the
penetration, however slight, of the genital or anal opening of the minor by any
foreign object, substance, instrument, or device, including a part of the human body,
with the intent to cause substantial emotional or bodily pain to any person or with
the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, regardless of the sex
of any participant.”
 Sexual violence is a reality on every college campus and the U is no exception.
Jessica Smith*, a junior at the U, recalls her tragic experience. “I was a freshman, and
it was really my first time being on my own. I began partying regularly and drinking
a lot. It was kind of the “norm” among my group of friends.”

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests that 25

percent of American women have experienced sexual assault and rape.
Approximately one-half of those cases involving alcohol consumption by the
perpetrator, victim, or both.

“It was the first and only time I have ever blacked out,” Smith added. “We
were at a house party on U street and everyone was celebrating the end of the
semester, so there was a lot of alcohol. I was going shot-for-shot with one of my
closest guy friends when, about 8 shots in, I told him I didn’t feel good. He told me to
go lie in his bed, and that he would check on me when the party was dying down. I
don’t even remember getting upstairs to his room, but somehow I ended up there
because the next thing I knew he was on top of me, and inside of me. I didn’t even
know how to react, because I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. I yelled at
him to stop, and tried to push him off of me, but he was just too strong. The worst
part is that when he finished he kissed me on the forehead.”

According to RAINN, approximately two-thirds of assaults are committed by

someone known to the victim, with 38 percent of rapists being friends or
acquaintances. “It’s very hard to understand how a “friend” could commit such a
heinous act,” Stiel noted.

Recovering from a violent crime is a very personal thing with varying

recovery times; however, you need to talk to the Rape Recovery Center of Salt Lake
City. If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, the University of Utah has
many resources to help with your recovery. “To this day, I can’t walk past that
house,” said Smith.

One resource in particular, is the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, otherwise known

as “Beta”. For their philanthropy, Beta works directly with the RRC. Mitchell Cox, the
current president, has been working diligently alongside his brothers to sponsor
forums and events. “We want to educate fellow students on this sensitive subject,”
stated Cox. “We want to be able to hold college men accountable.”
References:
http://www.marshall.edu/wcenter/sexual-assault/rape-culture/
https://www.rainn.org/statistics
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/news/g3309/stupid-things-
politicians-say/?slide=20
http://apps.rainn.org/policy-crime-definitions/index.cfm?state=Utah&group=3
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-1/43-51.htm