The Rapist is to blame

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to Charles Madden's Column on rape. First, let me applaud Charles for addressing the issue of rape. This is a real problem that must be addressed. However, he made some comments that I take issue with.

Most importantly, the RAPIST is to blame for his friend being raped-not her. HE is at fault. HE forced the rape to take place. HE could and should have stopped. HE should have controlled HIMSELF. The clothes a person wears are irrelevant. Revealing shirts, short skirts, whatever, I don't care if she is naked, that is no excuse for rape - she is NOT "asking" for it. Even if she had been drinking, she still is NOT at fault.

Going dancing at a bar and having some drinks is perfectly normal in many groups. Furthermore, it is perfectly legal. Once again, your friend did nothing wrong. It is the RAPIST who is at fault. He is to blame. It is the rapist who could not control himself - all blame for the rape falls squarely on his shoulders, period.

You stated in your article that, "...especially girls, need to make better decisions." This is false. It is the men who must make better decisions - to rape or not to. It is the men who must stand up against sexual assault. It is the men who must stand with other men who are against sexual assault.

While the situation regarding rape is certainly discouraging, time has not stopped. While we know that up to one in four women will experience some form of sexual assault in their lives, time has not stopped. Think of it this way: We are at a crossroads. We can ignore the pain and suffering of our fellow human beings or take a stand to change it. Men, seize the power to control yourself. Long for the time when the "Clothesline Project" stops growing. In the end, it is not "Sorry Charlie," but join us in promoting change.

Lastly, as wordsmiths, the columnist and the editor were in error. "Girls" and "Chicks" are diminutives that are often considered degrading to women; these terms refer to females that are pre-pubescent and newly hatched birds -check your stylebook. Also, the condescending term "ladies" should also be re-thought. Women being raped is the issue.

Robert Jenkot

lecturer, sociology

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