Linkspam: Rape Culture

So, recently I started to become engrossed in researching Rape Culture. This has consumed a good two days of my life.

So what is rape culture? Well, here it is:

It is everywhere in the entire world.

I have a lot to say on the matter, but I know of other people who have already said it better.
Rape Culture 101

What's Wrong With Suggesting Women Take Precautions to Prevent Rape?

Rape, the Sinister Blame Game

Self Blame and Survivors

"The Rape" of Mr. Smith: a satirical commentary on the language used against rape victims.

Predator Theory

And now, here are stories depicting the fucked up ways in which the world handles cases of RAPE.

You're Not a Rape Victim Unless the Police Say So

Dangerous Australia: (apparently, if you're female, you shouldn't go to Australia. Or anywhere, really. FUCK.)

Gynecologist Terror

She Didn't Say Anything At All

This is not an analysis of rape culture, this is a rant

And here's something less dpressing, just 'cause. Not about RAPE, but about the anti-women attitudes, as described by none other than JK ROWLING! I love her!!! Here: The single mother's manefesto

For the record, while I do think that a man or woman accused of rape is innocent until proven guilty, I believe the same of the accuser--which is not something often afforded him or her. Many times they are told they are lying to gain attention, that they weren't raped because they don't know who raped them, that they were blacked out so it was their own fault, that they are just liars, etc. etc. Why are THEY not innocent of LYING? If they believe they were raped, why not give them the benefit of the doubt? This doesn't mean throwing the first person they point at in jail--it means attempting to bring a criminal to justice. This means the authorities have to do their jobs (the horror). This means they investigate. Give rape kits. Ask the hard questions. If they ate LEAST do this, if we just LISTEN to the victims of sexual crime, then maybe there wont be this idea that they CAN'T EVEN COME FORWARD, that they CAN'T EVEN TELL THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

And maybe, if we can get over that mentality, we can begin reacting to rape in a way that goes after the perpetrators instead of instilling fear into all women from a young age. Because FUCK THAT. I LIKE being outside at night. I LIKE having the ability to get drunk and not have to worry about being date raped. I like the idea that if a family member were abusing me, or someone in a position of trust was, I would know that people would listen and judge the RAPIST and not ME.

I will not claim to be an expert on Rape Culture or even Feminism. I am just a woman who wants to learn more about her world so that I may change it in some way, for the better.

*edited 12/3/2010 to change title and add a label*