General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: In many of the rape threads I an noticing a definite empathy deficit... [View all]thucythucy
(8,047 posts)I wonder if one of the reasons some men get so offended and angry about discussions of rape is because rape itself is so horrible to think about. And as has been pointed out here and elsewhere, many men, perhaps even most, go through much of their lives not having to think about it, certainly not having to worry about it happening to themselves. I understand that men get raped as well, that the sexual abuse of boys is also a fact, but the cultural perception is that rape is a "woman's issue" and thus not something men need to trouble themselves about. As a result, men in general are much less engaged in discussions on how to prevent rape. I mean, look at any rape crisis center, and count how many men are volunteers, as opposed to women.
And so, when the topic is raised, I wonder if there isn't a defensive reaction that says, "That's not me--I don't want to think about this--and I'm angry at you for bringing it up." The idea that some men (on college campuses say) might be FORCED to think about, discuss this topic, makes them defensive, upset, angry. To be blunt: not having to think about rape is another form of male privilege. And nobody likes being asked to give up their privilege, hence all these hostile responses.
I would ask that those men sit back a moment and, as you say, try to generate some empathy for what women have to live with, every day of their lives. Maybe then they might be able to put their hurt feelings into some perspective.