Intro to Women’s Studies
Dr. David Magill
March 11th 2013
The Misconceptions and Realities of Rape Why do people rape and what do rapists earn from committing this crime? Is it the pleasure of seeing someone in fear, or pain, or is it the pleasure of their screams? I will never know the answer to these questions. All I know is that rape is beyond immoral and depraved, and is a serious crime. Rape is a very strong word and often makes people feel really uncomfortable talking about it, especially when it comes to one’s own experiences. For victims and sometimes even non-victims it makes this world a cold and cruel place in which to live. There are many myths and misconceptions that surround the aspects of rape. Some of these beliefs are just completely untrue and. Some common misconceptions of rape are that the victims asked for it or they deserved it, it only happens to women, and it happens by strangers. Rapists use a variety of excuses to attempt to discredit their victims and to justify their crimes. I have heard far too often that people who are raped asked for it in some way or another such as in the way they dress or act. Just because a girl is wearing a certain outfit, like a tight or short dress does not mean she deserved to get raped. A woman should be able to wear or act however she wants and not have to be judged or victimized because of it. Perpetrators should be able to control themselves and not get out of hand. Also, women who are drunk or under the influence of drugs are often held responsible for their rape, and not the rapist. They are said to have made themselves more vulnerable and often wanted the sex. People who are either unconscious or have impaired judgment due to alcohol or drugs are very unlikely unable to give informed consent. The rapists themselves also try to blame their actions on substances like marijuana and beer and say they had no control of the situation. No matter what the circumstances may be, no woman or man