No Laughing Matter

The Trivialization of Sexual Violence

In a recent incident on RLC, the particulars of which I won't go into, the word "rape" was thrown out in an apparent attempt at humour or irony. Although not done maliciously, it was nonetheless misguided at best, and highlighted how deeply entrenched the trivialization of sexual violence remains in our society. In the interest of not causing a scene, I pm'd the member to politely inform them that such a word was not to be thrown about in such a cavalier manner, and provided a brief explanation as to why; they resolved to refrain in the future. In this instance, I responded the best way I knew how, and I make allowances for the fact that I might have taken a better course.

I feel the need to open this discussion as it's not the first time I've come across this, and I know I'm not alone. I believe that usage of the word in such manner trivializes not only the word itself but the very idea it represents and the culture that surrounds it. If society continues to trivialize sexual violence, to the extent of referring to it so casually or for the sake of "humour", how can we possibly teach our sons proper behaviour when it has been reduced to little more than a joke? And how do we teach our daughters their true worth in a world that perpetually normalizes it in so many insidious ways?

The above graphic is far from being exhaustive. There are many, many more examples, a proper discussion of which is beyond the scope of this essay. With that said, all solutions begin with discourse, and I believe the more inclusive - the better.