All tagged rape

Make sure that 'no' always means 'no'

“You know women; when they say no, they really mean yes.”

I’m sure you’ve heard this a few times in your life. I have, usually from the mouth of some guy on trial for violently raping someone.  Sure, it’s a ridiculous argument and those who treat this as gospel should be thrown in jail just for being idiots. But the thought process, while utterly fucked up and reprehensible, does have a basis in reality.

 

Tuesday night, a new Facebook friend of mine posted a link to a website called “Is Rape Funny.” It’s a simple website which proclaims that it is “DEFINITELY NOT.” I immediately rolled my eyes.

For quite some time I have had major issues with the way that our culture has decided to deal with rape and rape survivors. Being in college and knowing several women, men, and transgendered persons whom have experienced a sexual assault of some sort, has allowed me a unique insight into the issue from many different angles. From all of that experience, as well as my work in the field of sexual education, I have concluded that no, rape is not funny. But who cares, let’s laugh about it any way.

Rape is an unfortunate part of our culture. It has been for a very long time and if I was a betting man, I’d wager that it will be for many years to come. Thus far we have dealt with rape in a fashion that I consider to be appalling.

Don’t you hate when a problem you thought was solved pops back up like a herpes outbreak? That’s how I feel about issue of abortion. I thought our society had resolved this issue. Unfortunately, much like herpes, every now and then there is a bumpy patch that you need to clear up with some Abreva.

Back in November, the people voted to elect many new politicians into very powerful positions in our government. (While I did not vote for any of these people, I very much respect the ebb and flow of American politics.) These politicians, all of GOP stock, have their sights set on rolling back our biological freedoms faster than Wal-Mart rolls back prices. These are people you need to keep your eyes on, so I thought I should introduce you. Rather than editorializing I’m going to let their voting records speak for themselves.

John Boehner (R-Ohio) our new Speaker of the House taking over for Nancy Pelosi. His current push to redefine rape is something to watch out for.

  • Voted NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Jan 2007)
  • Voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
  • Voted YES on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
  • Voted YES on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)
  • Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)
  • Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
  • Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
  • Voted YES on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
  • Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-life stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Bar funding for abortion under federal Obamacare plans. (Jul 2010)

 

It’s hard not to hate Julian Assange, he’s glib, sarcastic and self-centered. This is before you remember that his career path involves leaking confidential government documents of multinational origins. That career is probably the most likely reason you know his name… Well either that or the rape allegations.