Rape culture refers to the normalisation of rape, sexual assault or harassment that may be implicit or explicit. It is the pervasiveness of rape to the point that it is so normalised, it becomes a societal “culture” and is prevalent in our everyday lives.
The South African rape and gender-based violence crisis is something we need to address every chance we get. As parents, it is crucial that we do some introspection and discuss topics of rape culture with our children so they know right from wrong and never become a part of this devastation.
Common misconception
There seems to be a lot of misconception about 'rape culture' and what it entails. Many see it as a mere feminist buzzword thrown around when discussing rape and all forms of gender-based violence. But it goes far beyond that, perhaps further than you may have realised.
With the South African rape and gender-based violence crisis getting worse by the day, it certainly is something that needs to be discussed more. Especially as a parent, it is our responsibility to teach our children right from wrong so that they themselves do not perpetuate such a sickening problem.
Perhaps we are guilty of perpetuating rape culture without even realising it, but as Ice Cube, the wise, once said, "Check yo self before you wreck yo self."
So, what is rape culture?
Rape culture refers to the normalisation of rape, sexual assault or harassment that may be implicit or explicit. It is the pervasiveness of rape to the point that it is so normalised, it becomes a societal “culture” and is prevalent in our everyday lives. It is often the result of generalised ideas of gender and sexuality stemming from patriarchy.
It is the acceptance of rape as "inevitable" in a society that says “don’t get raped” as opposed to “do not rape.” A society that teaches rape prevention instead of consent.
Rape culture ranges from things that seem “normal” to those that are more blatantly and explicitly violent.
Here are some of the points covered in the 'Rape culture pyramid' by The 11th principle: consent! and in certain instances, why they are considered part of rape culture:
Level 1: Normalisation (the bottom of the pyramid)
Each of the issues refer to things that people generally find acceptable, harmless or fail to see how it plays a part in rape culture.
Rape jokes
Rape is an extremely serious issue that should NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE JOKED ABOUT OR TRIVIALISED.
Saying things like, “that maths paper raped me” or “Arsenal raped United this weekend” is not okay! The English language is pretty extensive, find another word to use.
“Boys will be boys”
This is the attitude that boys can do things that are violating, cause discomfort or perpetuate rape culture because “it’s what boys do” or it is "an expression of their masculinity". This becomes dangerous as it makes them think it is okay to do these things, and so it continues.
“Girls should stay at home”
Having the attitude that you need to police girls’ behaviour so that they do not get harmed, and blaming girls for “leading boys to it”, but never condemning boys for their actions.
Sexist attitudes
Normalising sexist attitudes and passing it along to your children will only make them contribute towards the problem.
Unequal pay
Unequal pay for the same job is deeply rooted in a patriarchal society that places men above women and further adds to the idea that men are controlling women.
“Locker room banter”
What may seem like harmless "boy talk" can be disrespectful and violating since many of the discussions involve degrading comments about sexual experiences with women or their sexual history.
Victim blaming
Blaming a victim of rape, sexual harassment or violence or misconduct for what happened to them takes the guilt away from the perpetrator and shames the victim. It is the reason so many victims are afraid to speak up.
Absolutely nothing is an invitation to be raped.
Level 2: Degradation
The following issues threaten the dignity of victims and cause degradation, disrespect and violation.
Sexual online harassment and bullying
Online sexual harassment could present itself in many ways, from begging for pictures, vile comments or incessant messaging to sharing someone's private information.
Sexual objectification
Sexual objectification means simply viewing someone as a sexual object and only for your gaze. It means stripping their dignity and only considering them sexually desirable.
Stalking/following
Not only is this dangerous, it is a complete invasion of privacy and can (and should) lead to legal action.
Slut shaming
Condemning women for doing the same things that men are praised for is rape culture. Slut shaming is denouncing a woman for dressing or behaving a certain way that you do not consider "appropriate" for a woman. It also means shaming women for being sexually liberated.
Cat-calling and whistling
This is extremely common and degrading, invasive and makes one feel like a "piece of meat". What’s particularly disgusting is that when victims call out cat-callers, they’re often told they are “overreacting”!
NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO YOUR BODY.
“Revenge porn”
"Revenge porn" is using private content that was sent to you in confidence as blackmail or revenge, such as threatening to show it to others or post it online. As you can imagine, once it gets onto the internet, there’s no taking it down.
Non-consensual photos
"Up-the-skirt photos" are an example of this. Snapping pictures of people without their consent is not okay.
Unsolicited nude photos
Non-consensual nude photos are a violation. Teach your kids to never send nudies of themselves to others, whether they were asked to or not.
Level 3: Removal of autonomy
This refers to the acts that place the victim in a position where they are no longer in control, or infringe on their freedom.
Sexual coercion
Forcefully convincing or trying to convince someone to perform sexual acts with you, even though they have expressed discomfort.
"No" does not mean "convince me".
Groping
Grabbing or touching someone’s body without their consent is a big no-no.
Safe word violations
If you establish a “safe word” when engaging in sexual activities with someone, and they then don't take it seriously and don't stop when you use the safe word, makes the sexual encounter non-consensual.
Covert condom removal
"Covert condom removal" is essentially removing the condom without consent during sexual intercourse. It's a big violation plus it can lead to pregnancy and STIs.
Threatening
Threatening to harm someone (physically, reputation- or career-wise, etc) if they deny or reject your sexual advances.
Dosing
This refers to feeding someone drugs or harmful substances without their knowledge.
Level 4: Explicit violence
The following are explicitly violent acts.
Rape
Always remember that consent can be revoked even once it was given. Without consent, it is rape! No matter what the situation may be.
Murder
Molestation
Violence
Gang rape
Although some of these topics may not be comfortable to discuss with your children, it is important that we do. Rape culture is not comfortable, being a victim is not comfortable, living in a world that downplays rape is not comfortable. So it's about time we start normalising these conversations so that we can see some positive changes being made!
Disclaimer: While this article focuses more on rape culture relating to women at the hands of heterosexual-cisgender men, we do acknowledge that rape culture affects EVERYONE.