Short Response 11/18

In Emilie Morgan's story "Don't Call me a Survivor", she details her experience with being raped multiple times. I was astonished by the shocking process she went through and the brutal attacks that she endured. Although Morgan was a victim, she was treated as if she was to blame for these attacks. Furthermore, the treatment that she endured only seemed to worsen her experience. For instance, she was molested by an employee at the treatment center she checked into after one of her rapes. I was most shocked by the recounts of her gang rape which she said lasted for approximately six hours. I guess I prefer to believe that such things are rare occurances and would never happen in my "sphere." However, when thinking about the Campus Climate Survey, I am reminded that the rate of sexual assault is actually quite high on our very own campus. Yet, it is something that is taboo, thus people don't discuss it and might not report it. When victims of rape feel the need to silence themselves, their attackers become empowered and feel safe. I think the objectification of women as sex objects really leads to such attacks. If men only see women as sex objects than why wouldn't they be there for the taking. Our society puts men in power and casts women as being inferior. We are not as smart, capable or important as they are, thus they can make the rules as well as break them. More discussion and understanding of rape and what constitutes rape would certainly help this phenomenon. However, a true change in our societal thought is the most important step in eliminating this violence against women.