Does Rape Culture exist in Canada?

Following our discussion of Rape Culture in class today, I believe that Rape Culture definitely exists. I also believe that it is a very one-sided, and thereby biased mind-set.

Our traditional understanding of rape is that it is unconsentual sex against the will of the victim. This is very easily identifiable when dealing with a male sexually assaulting a female. There are other forms of sexual assault as well; such as female to female molestation, male rape of male victims, and unwanted femal sexual advances against a male. In other words, the females in society are not the only victims, and yes, can also be the perpetrators.

The term "All men are potential rapists," is a generally accepted, and very stereotypical label that is unfortunately attached to all men, ironic considering the advances of feminism against sex-role stereotyping. Young women are taught from an early age what constitutes rape, and what do do in a rape situation, and are generally taught that their attacker will be a male. Read here for a misandric article labelling all men. > http://thefemministfatale.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/all-men-are-rapists/

I recall when I was in grade 6 in health class, all the girls went to a separate room to learn about rape. What did the boys learn during this time about their rights and what exactly rape is? Nothing.

Not only does our rape culture marginalize female victims, but it completely ignores male victims.
Prison rape is a prime example of male rights being violated and nothing being done to acknowedge, let alone protect victims from this happening. Prisoners apparently are second rate citizens and don't deserve the same legal protection as citizens. See the Winnipeg Free Press article here. > http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/prison-rape-remains-a-tolerated-terrorism-122853709.html

I myself have been assaulted in a sexual manner, and when I went to report the incident to the police, I was never offered any sort of victim's counciling, and there was no followup to my allegations. It was as if my being assaulted did not matter in the eyes of law enforcement. If other males, and I'm certain that there are, are received in this fashion, there is no incentive to take legal action.

I believe that if we as a culture acknowleged that both males and females can be victims of rape, and that rape culture has marginalized the impact of this heinous crime on both sexes. I believe as well that both males and females have the potential to rape, or in the least, sexually molest victims. I do not think that men and women should be segregated and taught separately about rape and self defense, as it is a problem that has the potential to harm both males and females in the same way. If we educated both sexes together about rape and rape culture, there would be no disparity between the two sexes' recogniton and recourse agains sexual assault. Both men and women would understand and recognize the impact of rape, and unnecessary biased judgement would be spared from targeting men only.

An example of the lax abuse of the one-sidedness of rape and rape accusation can be found here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKoIWr47Jtk&feature=youtu.be where female cab riders would rather falsely accuse the cab driver of molest than pay their cab fare... and without the video evidence, there would be little to prove the cab driver's innocence. (guilty until proven innocent?). Not only that, but the article goes on to say that there is no way for the cab driver to be compensated for damages to his character and reputation outside of a private lawsuit. Falsely accused "victims" often can not afford the heavy legal fees involved in defending a rape charge, let alone suing for damages to character and reputation.

In no way am I attempting to downplay the seriousness of female rape. Rather, it is my goal to recognize male rape as being an equally serious crime.

~ SG