Clarification of a misconstrued opinion
It has come to my attention that my article last week, “Halloween? More like Skank-o-ween?” may have been seriously misconstrued. In fact, I know it was by at least one person. I was accused of aligning my views with those of a rape apologist. While normally I do not feel the need to justify or clarify my opinion to perfect strangers, I do feel that with an issue such as this, one that has personally affected my life, I need to clarify.
I was merely pointing out that as girls, we unfortunately have to be more careful with our appearance. I realize while reading my article that I did not stress the danger in dressing in a nearly naked manner. (To clarify, I never said anything about mini-skirts or low-cut tops, only underwear.) We, as women, are subject to more scrutiny than men. Therefore, dressing in underwear in public is going to be received a certain way. Whatever the case, you have to be prepared for the consequences. To suggest that by this statement, however, that I theoretically support rape or am a rape apologist is absolutely absurd.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I have seen how rape apologists affect those who have been raped. I have sat next to a friend who couldn’t get anyone to believe her, including her boyfriend, simply because she was “asking for it.” Forced sexual activity isn’t acceptable, regardless of “inviting” garb.
For this very reason, among the obvious annoying social ramifications, which I apparently focused on too intensely, I mentioned this issue last week. It is important for women, myself included, to watch the way we present ourselves to the greater public, so that we do not end up in a situation we are not prepared to handle. It has been statistically proven that women are more likely to be the victims of sexual crimes. It is unfortunate, but very true. So, when I say that you can dress like a skank, but be prepared for a backlash, I did of course mean the social ramifications. However, I should have stressed the unwanted and potentially dangerous consequences, which is the only thing I would like to amend.
My opinion is just that: my opinion. Regardless of whether or not anyone likes it, it is what it is. And, it is most certainly not the opinion of a rape apologist. If anything, my experience with my friend is what has helped form the opinion I hold on the importance of not being naked or nearly naked in public. No girl should willingly put herself under the scrutiny that may follow. That being said, how much about a person can anyone know by just reading one dimension of her opinion and her personality? It is just as vacant as forming an opinion on someone’s wardrobe on Halloween, which is what is so adamantly objected to in this case. I meant the article in a somewhat casual “hey, this really irks me” kind of way, and apparently did not formulate my opinion clearly.
Rape is a serious issue and just as there should be no excuses made for it, it should never be taken lightly. The label of rape apologist, which is very offensive and hurtful, should not be thrown around lightly, especially in the case of a poorly written opinion editorial. So thank you for pointing out the responsibility I have to always write clearly about everything. And to clear things up, so that everyone knows where I stand on this issue and similar issues:
There is no excuse for rape.
All people should have respect for themselves.
Women, unfortunately, need to be aware of how people are going to judge them and that some of those people are pigs and can and will put them in bad situations.
Judgment, unfortunately, does happen.
Snap judgment, whether through appearance or through a misconstrued article, is bad.
Always try to be aware of how you are presenting yourself to the world (apparently I need to follow this as well); not everyone has the best of intentions.
Chelsea is a junior in the School of Art and a Forum Editor. She can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]
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