Column: ‘Going Concern’ by Rona Miña
Addressing rape culture
Rape culture makes the world less safe for women.
If a person is raped, you should look for the rapist — not the reason. That should be inculcated in this society of victim blaming.
As I turn on the television, I saw another scene of victim blaming televised in the whole world. In the segment of the noon time show, Eat Bulaga, the winner retell her experience when she was sexually harassed by her husband’s friends while she was drunk. Jose Manalo and Sen. Tito Sotto who are hosts of the show responded with words of blame to the girl. “Kababae mong tao shot shot shot ka,” followed up with “Umiinom ka na nga, naka-shorts ka pa!”
Trying to compose herself, I can sense the painful glimpse of the woman. Those words are hurtful words that shouldn’t be said and forecast live because it’s really an insensitive act that adds to the victim’s suffering. It’s really ironic that the two hosts’ behavior do not coincide with the segment’s purpose and name — All for Juan, Juan for all: Bayanihan of D’ Pipol.
Victim blaming means denouncing the girl for what she drank, what she wore and how she acted, instead of blaming the culprit. We can notice it here in the Philippines. Because of the mentality of many that women should have the characteristics of the conservative Maria Clara, women who didn’t conform to that idea are being blamed if they are harassed. For me, the issue here is not about how she dressed or alcohol. It’s about rapists. This act is done in order to protect privilege and deflect accountability. Some people are arguing that “men will always be men” and that women should act and dress in a proper way for them not to be a victim of rape. This the most stupid and primitive excuse for pardoning this criminal, despicable act. There’s no cultural justification for dehumanizing another human being. Victim blaming is just one of the effects of rape culture.
Rape culture is the normalization of sexual violence against women. It is manifested in the society’s attitude and institutions. The images of objectification and violence against women are so common and we’re practically desensitized to them. A lot of people are oblivious to its consequences.
Statistics say only 40% rape cases are reported and only 10% ever lead to an arrest. Only three rapists will ever spend a single day in prison out of 100 rapists. This leniency is a big part of Rape Culture. Women are afraid to come out because of the stigma and fear of getting catcalled and even blamed for getting raped. They hide it to protect their family from the shame and criticism of the community. The long process in the justice system is also not helping. The agony of waiting for the proceedings to end and the emotional stress of the victim as they relive it in their legal testimonies for the rest of the world to pick apart or feast on, frankly adds insult to injury, and that is putting it mildly.
Rape culture makes the world less safe for women. It puts the burden of safety on women’s shoulders, and blames them why they don’t succeed. This is the kind of culture we must put a stop to. How can we get rid of this culture?
To address rape culture, we need to confront our underlying culture of objectification: one which conditions men to view women as things to be possessed rather than as people.
To address rape culture, we need to confront our underlying culture of objectification: one which conditions men to view women as things to be possessed rather than as people. Parents can encourage their children to understand and regulate their responses, emotions and reactions. They can teach their children to appreciate feelings of others. Media portrays a big role in this issue. They should do their job to regulate and inform the citizens about the matter.
As a citizen of this country, we should change the culture in order for the abused women like the survivors we know would never feel the pain and ask themselves- “what have I done wrong?” We should instill in our minds that rapist cause rape not the victim. Let’s stop the shaming and start saving. ■ By Rona Maricar C. Miña/AH
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