There is a saying in Africa that goes like this, “The ax forgets, the tree remembers.” This is true about rape too.
What is rape? Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person’s consent. (“Rape” Wikipedia , January 2012) There are various types of rape such as date rape, gang rape, marital rape, incestual rape, child sexual abuse, prison rape, acquaintance rape, war rape, etc.
Interesting Quotes on Rape:
I prefer to characterize rape simply as a form of torture. Like the torturer, the rapist is motivated by the urge to dominate, humiliate, and destroy his victim. Like a torturer, he does so by using the most intimate acts available to humans — sexual ones. ~Helen Benedict (Virgin or Vamp, 1992)
Perhaps it is the only crime in which the victim becomes the accused and, in reality, it is she who must prove her good reputation, her mental soundness, and her impeccable propriety. ~Freda Adler (Sisters in Crime: The Rise of the New Female Criminal, 1975)
Most commonly, rape is a crime of opportunity; the victim is chosen not because of her looks or behavior, but because she is there. ~Helen Benedict (Virgin or Vamp, 1992)
In giving language to my experience, I hope I can make rape less ‘unspeakable.’ I hope to dispel at least some part of the fear and shame that has made victims mute. ~Nancy Raine (After Silence: Rape and My Journey Back, 1998)
Rape is a culturally fostered means of suppressing women. Legally we say we deplore it, but mythically we romanticize and perpetuate it, and privately we excuse and overlook it (because we always find a way to blame the woman for letting it happen). In other words, rape is awful— except in war, where the enemy’s women are part of the plunder; except in marriage, where a man is entitled by law to have sexual relations with his wife even if against her will; and except in extenuating circumstances where the mere presence of a wornan is cause for a man to rape her. ~Victoria Billings (The womansbook, 1974)
Rape is loss. Like death, it is best treated with a period of mourning and grief. We should develop social ceremonies for rape, rituals, that, like funerals and wakes, would allow the mourners to recover the spirits that the rapist, like death, steals. The social community is the appropriate center for the restoration of spirit, but the rape victim is usually shamed into silence or self-imposed isolation. ~Researcher Metzger (American Journal of Psychiatry, 1976)
I want to see this men’s movement make a commitment to ending rape because that is the only meaningful commitment to equality. It is astonishing that in all our worlds of feminism and antisexism we never talk seriously about ending rape. Ending it. Stopping it. No more. No more rape. In the back of our minds, are we holding on to its inevitability as the last preserve of the biological? Do we think that it is always going to exist no matter what we do? All of our political actions are lies if we don’t make a commitment to ending the practice of rape. This commitment has to be political. It has to be serious. It has to be systematic. It has to be public. It can’t be self-indulgent. ~Andrea Dworkin (I Want a Twenty-Four Hour Truce During Which There Is No Rape, 1983)
Pornography is the instruction. Rape is the practice, battered women are the practice, and battered children are the practice. ~Gloria Steinem
We have rudiments of reverence for the human body, but we consider as nothing the rape of the human mind. ~Eric Hoffer
I think when a person has been found guilty of rape he should be castrated. That would stop him pretty quick. ~Billy Graham
Rape is the easiest charge to make and the most difficult to prove. ~Anonymous
Rape is a subject that is often shrouded in silence and stigma, yet it is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. The quotes provided by various authors shed light on the different facets of this heinous crime, offering valuable insights into its nature, impact, and the need for change. In this article, we will delve into each of these quotes, exploring the wisdom they hold and the lessons they impart about rape and its consequences.
Rape as a Form of Torture
“I prefer to characterize rape simply as a form of torture. Like the torturer, the rapist is motivated by the urge to dominate, humiliate, and destroy his victim. Like a torturer, he does so by using the most intimate acts available to humans — sexual ones.”
— Helen Benedict (Virgin or Vamp, 1992)
Helen Benedict’s words offer a profound perspective on rape, likening it to a brutal form of torture. This comparison emphasizes the psychological and emotional scars that survivors of rape often bear. Just as a torturer seeks to exert control through cruelty, a rapist aims to dominate through sexual violence. It is a stark reminder that rape is not merely a physical act but a deeply traumatic experience that leaves lasting wounds on the survivor’s psyche.
Victim Blaming and the Burden of Proof
“Perhaps it is the only crime in which the victim becomes the accused and, in reality, it is she who must prove her good reputation, her mental soundness, and her impeccable propriety.”
— Freda Adler (Sisters in Crime: The Rise of the New Female Criminal, 1975)
Freda Adler’s quote underscores the deeply ingrained societal tendency to blame victims of rape. In many cases, survivors are subjected to scrutiny and skepticism, forced to defend their character and reputation. This victim-blaming culture perpetuates the cycle of shame and silence, making it even more difficult for survivors to come forward and seek justice. It is imperative to shift the focus from doubting survivors to holding perpetrators accountable.
Rape as a Crime of Opportunity
“Most commonly, rape is a crime of opportunity; the victim is chosen not because of her looks or behavior, but because she is there.”
— Helen Benedict (Virgin or Vamp, 1992)
Helen Benedict’s insight challenges the misconception that rape is solely driven by lust or desire. Instead, it highlights that rape is often an act of power and control, with victims selected based on proximity rather than attractiveness or behavior. This realization is crucial in dispelling myths surrounding rape and reinforcing the importance of consent in all sexual encounters.
Breaking the Silence
“In giving language to my experience, I hope I can make rape less ‘unspeakable.’ I hope to dispel at least some part of the fear and shame that has made victims mute.”
— Nancy Raine (After Silence: Rape and My Journey Back, 1998)
Nancy Raine’s words emphasize the transformative power of speaking out about one’s experiences with sexual assault. Breaking the silence surrounding rape is a vital step in empowering survivors and challenging the culture of shame that surrounds this crime. By sharing their stories, survivors can help others find the courage to come forward and seek support, ultimately contributing to the broader conversation about ending sexual violence.
Cultural Perpetuation of Rape
“Rape is a culturally fostered means of suppressing women. Legally we say we deplore it, but mythically we romanticize and perpetuate it, and privately we excuse and overlook it (because we always find a way to blame the woman for letting it happen).”
— Victoria Billings (The Womansbook, 1974)
Victoria Billings’ quote highlights the disturbing contradiction between our professed values and our cultural acceptance of rape. Despite legal condemnation, society often romanticizes and excuses sexual violence in various contexts. It exposes the systemic sexism that underpins these attitudes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cultural change to combat rape effectively.
Rituals of Healing
“Rape is loss. Like death, it is best treated with a period of mourning and grief. We should develop social ceremonies for rape, rituals, that, like funerals and wakes, would allow the mourners to recover the spirits that the rapist, like death, steals.”
— Researcher Metzger (American Journal of Psychiatry, 1976)
Researcher Metzger’s perspective offers a unique approach to addressing the aftermath of rape. Viewing rape as a profound loss, akin to death, underscores the need for structured support systems and rituals of healing. Such ceremonies could help survivors regain their sense of self and community, providing a path towards recovery and resilience.
A Call to End Rape
“I want to see this men’s movement make a commitment to ending rape because that is the only meaningful commitment to equality. It is astonishing that in all our worlds of feminism and antisexism we never talk seriously about ending rape. Ending it. Stopping it. No more. No more rape.”
— Andrea Dworkin (I Want a Twenty-Four Hour Truce During Which There Is No Rape, 1983)
Andrea Dworkin’s impassioned call for action resonates strongly. She emphasizes that ending rape should be a fundamental commitment for everyone, regardless of gender. Dworkin’s words challenge us to confront the pervasive nature of sexual violence and to work tirelessly toward its eradication. This commitment must be political, systematic, and unwavering, reflecting a collective responsibility to create a world free from the scourge of rape.
The Role of Pornography
“Pornography is the instruction. Rape is the practice, battered women are the practice, and battered children are the practice.”
— Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem’s quote draws a direct connection between pornography and acts of sexual violence. It highlights the role of explicit content in perpetuating harmful behaviors, making it essential to address the impact of pornography on societal attitudes and behaviors. This perspective underscores the importance of promoting healthy, respectful sexual relationships in contrast to the dehumanizing portrayal of sex in some forms of pornography.
Protecting the Mind
“We have rudiments of reverence for the human body, but we consider as nothing the rape of the human mind.”
— Eric Hoffer
Eric Hoffer’s quote reminds us that protecting the human mind from trauma and violence is as crucial as safeguarding the physical body. The psychological scars left by rape can be just as enduring and devastating as physical injuries. It calls for a holistic approach to supporting survivors, emphasizing mental health and well-being as integral components of recovery.
Castration as a Controversial Solution
“I think when a person has been found guilty of rape he should be castrated. That would stop him pretty quick.”
— Billy Graham
Billy Graham’s statement reflects a controversial viewpoint on addressing rape through castration. While this extreme measure raises ethical and legal questions, it highlights the urgent need for more effective measures to prevent and punish sexual offenders. Debates surrounding such punitive measures underscore the complexity of tackling sexual violence.
The Challenge of Proving Rape
“Rape is the easiest charge to make and the most difficult to prove.”
— Anonymous
This anonymous quote succinctly encapsulates a harsh reality within the legal system. Proving rape often involves navigating complex legal procedures and confronting societal biases, making it exceptionally challenging for survivors to obtain justice. It underscores the need for reforms in legal processes and greater sensitivity to the experiences of survivors.
In conclusion, these quotes offer a multifaceted perspective on rape, from its traumatic nature and the burden placed on survivors to the urgent need for cultural change and societal accountability. They call for a collective effort to eradicate sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence, challenging harmful myths, and supporting survivors on their journey toward healing and justice. It is through open dialogue, education, and advocacy that we can work towards a world where the quotes about rape become historical artifacts, no longer reflecting the grim reality we face today.