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I
don't really know that there
is a feminist perspective and
a non-feminist perspective on
rape--as there is those who
support 1.) acknowledging it
and are working to eradicate
it and 2.) those who don't really
think it's a problem. The former
tend to be feminist and the
latter anti-feminists.
The problem is that people don't
really know how to define rape--and
when the word is even mentioned
it conjures up violent images
and usually passive women who
were drunk or walking home "too
late." In reality, rape should
include all violations that
happen sexually--including those
that happen in our own homes
with nary a scream because the
women fear for their lives.
This isn't just a "feeling"
of violation, but a force put
upon someone--though force doesn't
always equal ripped clothing.
For instance, child sexual abuse--is
really rape, but we pamper the
term because people can't believe
the possibilities.
Feminists support funding for
rape crisis centers, education
of women and men about the possibilities
of rape, educating police departments
and emergency rooms about what
rape is and how to detect it,
and legislation that makes it
easy for people to pursue and
prosecute rapists. Those who
oppose even acknowleding that
rape is a problem--really don't
think it needs any such attention.
Does that help?
—Amy
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