One in six American women have been the victim of rape or an attempted rape. An even more terrifying statistic being that women become three times more likely to experience an instance of sexual assault in the setting of a college campus. Lady Gaga’s “Till It Happens to You” music video sheds light on the issue, presenting a raw, vivid depiction of these instances of sexual assault in this college campus setting, with many of the circumstances shown being all too familiar to young women for example, something being slipped into a drink. The music video not only depicts the attacks themselves, but it also brings attention to the ways in which their lives are impacted after the fact, as well as how the women come together.
Today, sexual assault is a huge issue within our society, yet the problem has been at hand for decades. Although more recent campaigns like the #MeToo movement (2017) have definitely brought awareness and helpful resources, women all over the world are still experiencing this everyday. The rape culture that has been ingrained within our society makes it extremely difficult to make progress though. Things like victim blaming and the alarmingly strong tolerance for sexual harassment are only a few things that most definitely need to change.
As a woman, it is quite unsettling to watch these unspeakable acts occur. We should not have to fear walking alone at night, or having a drink at a party. We have turned a blind eye towards an issue that has been going on for far too long. It is crucial for us as humans, both men and women, to come together and really do something, because it is almost as if we have failed to really put the issue of rape and rape culture into perspective.
Why do we teach women how to avoid being raped instead of teaching men not to rape?
Why do we ask what she was wearing?
Why do we ask if she had been drinking?
Why is there pressure for a woman to “just be nice”?
Why do such a small percentage of rapists face jail time?
Why is this still happening?
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