Rape Culture In America

Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted ("RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network |"). This fact is supposed to be shocking, but as a matter of fact, it is not surprising at all considering that rape culture is prevalent in the United States. Rape culture has existed in America since the country was formed and has had very little light shed on it since. The majority of people do not realize what rape culture is, let alone do they understand the dark long term effects of it. The rape culture that exists in America is evident through how often rape and sexual assault occur on a day to day basis and then punished as minimally as possible by the courts, how it is trivialized and ignored in the media, and considered socially …show more content…
Sexual assault is any form of sexual activity where one party does not give consent. Similarly, rape is sexual intercourse where one party does not give consent. Consent means both parties are informed and willingly agreeing. This is regardless of what the person is wearing or doing. Not informing the world on the real definition of rape and consent is a major factor in rape culture. Rape culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. It can be perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence. This creates a society that disregards women’s rights and safety. Examples of rape culture can include blaming the victim, sympathizing with rapists, and trivializing sexual assault. Society will try to blame the victim and say he or she was “asking for it.” Along with blaming the victim, a society that encourages rape culture sympathizes with the rapists. With the Steubenville High School rape …show more content…
Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes in the United States today with only about 40% of sexual assault crimes being reported to the police. Even on the occasion when the crime is reported, it is difficult to obtain a conviction, according to RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network |, “Out of every 100 rapes, 40 get reported to the police, 10 lead to an arrest, 8 get prosecuted, 4 lead to a felony conviction, and 3 rapists will spend even a day in prison.” According to those statistics, 97% of rapists walk free every day and are never punished for their crimes. Rape culture happens when the justice system fails to bring about justice in the United States by allowing criminals to walk the streets. Media also excuses rape with it’s frequent victim-blaming. Victim-blaming is one of the most popular ways of excuses and dismissing rape cases. Before a person can understand how the media constantly victim-blames, he or she must first understand what victim-blaming is and according to Victim Blaming Law & Legal Definition, “Victim-blaming is a devaluing act where the victim of a crime, an accident, or any type of abusive maltreatment is held as wholly or partially responsible for the wrongful conduct committed against them.” By blaming the victim for this horrendous crime, the media is in turn, excusing the rapists’