Paglia's Essay Rape A Bigger Danger Than Feminist Know

Camille Paglia’s essay “Rape A Bigger Danger Than Feminists Know” discusses the controversial issue of rape, and argues that feminists have secluded the truth about sex from younger women. The essay was published in 1991 by the New York Newsday. According to Paglia, who has a Ph.D. in humanities, “Feminism keeps saying the sexes are the same. It keeps telling women they can do anything, go anywhere, say anything, wear anything. No, they can’t. Women will always be in sexual danger” (579). She mentions that woman are not physically incapable of doing whatever they desire, therefore, they should take extra precautions to ensure their safety. In support of her thesis, the author addresses the Northeastern campuses that have begun petitioning to raise awareness for what they call, “victims” (579). Paglia elaborates on how the punishment for rape has become less severe. In her days, accusers could be hung, knifed, or even sentenced to death for rape (579). She goes on to say that women will never have the opportunity to engage in
For instance, Paglia talks about Marilyn Monroe and her music video “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, where she portrays a plethora of men in tuxes doing the conga. The author uses this example to portray how the feminists are completely oblivious to the sexual influence women have on men (581). She goes on to say that women must learn from these experiences, so that in the near future they will not occur again. Camille Paglia says that too many women are running to campus committees complaining about their situations, instead of taking matters into their own hands. She proposed that instead of sulking over the situation, women should address the altercation on the spot. For instance, Paglia urges women to respond with an assertive attitude, such as, “Shut up, you jerk! And go crawl back to your barnyard where you belong!”