The “It’s On Us” initiative has released a powerful video that sheds light on how we inadvertently contribute to rape culture through our everyday language and attitudes. Phrases like “He’s just teasing you because he likes you” or “Just toughen up” may seem harmless, but they can have profound implications. It’s time to recognize that we’re not being overly sensitive or exaggerating; we are addressing a serious issue that affects the safety and well-being of our children. If we ignore this, we are failing them.
The latest video produced by the Ad Council and the SheKnows Hatch program illustrates how seemingly innocent comments and jokes can perpetuate harmful attitudes toward sexual violence and victim-blaming. Consider these phrases we often hear:
- “Boys will be boys.”
- “How much did you drink?”
- “What were you wearing?”
- “She was asking for it.”
- “Were you flirting with him?”
This 90-second clip highlights how our words can encourage a toxic notion of masculinity while shifting blame onto girls. Such attitudes can escalate into serious cases of sexual assault and rape, which is fundamentally unacceptable.
Perhaps you’re a parent grappling with the mixed messages in today’s headlines. You might think that raising boys means you don’t have to worry about these issues. Or maybe you’re just uncertain about what to believe. Let’s clarify: according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 109 seconds, and shockingly, every eight minutes, that victim is a child. Disturbingly, only six out of every 1,000 offenders will face prison time. This reality is not just alarming; it’s heartbreaking.
Take the case of 22-year-old Ethan Miller, who was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. Despite the severity of his crime, he served a mere three months in jail. To add insult to injury, his father referred to the assault as merely “a regrettable moment” and pleaded for sympathy for his son missing out on his favorite pizza nights. This trivialization of sexual assault is completely unacceptable. No circumstance—be it alcohol consumption, attire, or sexual history—ever justifies such violence.
Rape culture is pervasive, and it thrives on victim-blaming and minimizing the actions of perpetrators. To combat this, we must reflect on our language and how it might be inadvertently supporting this cycle of violence. It’s crucial to recognize when we laugh off inappropriate jokes or ignore alarming comments about sex or assault to avoid conflict. In my previous work environments, I often let comments slide because I didn’t want to be seen as “too sensitive” or risk my job. But now that we are aware, we have a responsibility to change our behavior.
We can break this cycle by educating our children about consent. Teach them that their body is their own and that no one has the right to demand anything from them. If they ever feel pressured into unwanted sexual situations, that is sexual assault, plain and simple.
Let’s work together to end sexual violence by fostering open dialogues with our children and within our communities. Our words carry weight, and taking responsibility for them is the first step in creating change.
For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, you might find helpful resources like this one for quality insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC provides valuable information on fertility that can be accessed here.
In summary, it’s vital that we recognize the impact of our words and actions on the future of our children. By addressing these issues head-on and promoting a culture of respect and consent, we can help foster a safer environment for everyone.
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