Synthesis Essay On Rape Culture

The history of rape is a long one, filled with horrible instances and medieval beliefs that continue to the modern day. Rape and sexual assault were -and sometimes still are- seen as a normal practice in underdeveloped or war-torn countries. The rape of female civilians was a normal practice for years throughout many wars around the world, as well as during colonization or conquest of new lands. The native people in the Americas were targeted profusely during the “discovery” of the “new world”, and many became pregnant or developed sexual diseases from their attackers. (Source 8) You would think that because this practice has been going on for centuries, we would have a plethora of research and data on it, but you would be wrong. Sexual assault
Rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety.” (Source 2) Rape culture surrounds us in America. Phrases such as “boys will be boys” or “He’s teasing you because he likes you” perpetuate this culture as they teach boys from a very young age that it’s okay to be violent towards a woman. It also teaches girls that it’s okay for a man to be violent towards them. You can’t expect a woman to report a rape if she’s been conditioned to believe that it’s okay. The prevalence of this culture in today’s society negatively impacts young women everywhere, especially as they attempt to navigate the complicated terrain of modern
Someone who’s been raped is at a higher risk of developing a mental illness than someone who has not been raped. (Source 5) Some psychological effects of rape include depression, flashbacks, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Things such as flashbacks can be detrimental to a woman's future relationships. Flashbacks in rape victims are often triggered by sexual interactions, even if they are consensual. Sex is important to many mature relationships and the absence of sex can put a strain on the said relationship. The partner may feel like they will trigger a flashback if they try to make a consensual advance on the woman. Mental illness, no matter the cause, will cause problems in any relationship. (Source 7) Not to say that a mentally ill person can’t have a functioning and healthy relationship, that is completely possible, but it takes a strong partner to deal with the everyday problems that come with a mental health issue. Many people just aren’t willing to put in that effort. Stress within a relationship is shared between the partners, and it’s obvious that a mental illness is stressful for everyone