Rape Culture: Mythology Of Blame

Rape Culture: Mythology of Blame In the midst of a dehumanizing and sex-driven culture, rape has plagued the bodies and minds of millions. Unfortunately, for victims, a reality of physical and emotional trauma just scrapes the surface of the repercussions involving sexual assault. In addition, rape victims face the negative alterations of post-rape trauma due to the negative reactions of society (Yamawaki, Darby, and Queiroz). Though society recognizes rape as an increasing societal problem, rape myths taint the perception of blame and responsibility (Johnson and Kuck). As society integrates myths surrounding the responsibility and blame of rape within societal norms, current civilization transforms into a pandemic coined as the “rape culture”. Dating back to the early 1970’s, staple figures of the second feminist movement proclaimed rape culture to justify the essence of “contemporary American culture” of the time (Johnson and Kuck). By shining light to the prevalence of rape culture, knowledge of rape and rape myths have come bubbling to the surface. Though the progressive nature of current history has come one step closer to the elimination of inequality, society still finds itself at odds with an epidemic that’s co-existence dates back to a …show more content…
Fortunately, most individuals of society understand the emotional damage inflicted by rape; however, when conducted wrongly, trauma of rape perceives expected behaviors (Buddie and Miller). In the days following the assault, victims are sought upon to display facial indicators of emotional trauma. However, in the incident in which a victim may be exhibiting shocked-ridden and emotionless responses comes the perceived notion of the victim’s emotional depth. Those who demonstrate evidence of emotional damage are held less responsible and more creditable to a serious crime