Jake Thrasher Analysis

Numerous adults are haunted by childhood sexual abuse. Jake Thrasher’s experience comes with a twist – Thrasher is a man. The most difficult aspect of his experience is “speaking out and talking about (his) sexual assault” because he is “surrounded by the idea that men are tough and don’t let bad things happen to them” (Thrasher). One in thirty-three men admit to undertaking sexual assault, but many more remain invisible.

Thrasher encourages his audience to voice their own confrontations with sexual assault. He shares his personal experience, and then disputes men’s silence on the issue. He argues that the stigma surrounding men’s sexual assault encounters should be challenged, as both males and females may be sexually abused. Thrasher’s expressions
are emotional, and the topic is strongly tied to personal experience. As such, the article is subjective, not factual, and it is not reliable.

As with Thrasher, silence in relation to sexual assault leads to victim-blaming and self-destructive thoughts. If men’s sexual abuse experiences are ignored or avoided, the sexual violence does not disappear – instead, it creates a culture of shame in which victims are blamed for their abusers’ actions. Contrariwise, modern culture promotes inclusion, acceptance, and safety. Thrasher’s voice joins with others to extend a helping hand to all victims of sexual abuse, regardless of gender.