| Description |
In discussion of sexual violence, very specific rhetoric is used. Discussions on the topic include questions of "what was she wearing? How much did she drink? Don't you think she was asking for it?" This language creates a situation where this action is perceived as an abnormal act of violence, rather than the nationwide crisis that it has become. When reports are done of the perpetrators, commentary includes references to "those poor boys, doesn't she know this will ruin their lives?" rather than understanding the culture of rape that constructs violence as a significant piece of masculinity. This project will explore this language and rhetoric to help understanding of what we mean when we talk about rape and other crimes as acts of dominance, power, and violence. In this project, I will examine how ethos and pathos are used on both sides of this discussion. This includes evaluating moral judgments, creating a sense of separation, appeals to the body, and a lack of conflict between the two sides. Additionally, by perceiving sexual violence as an issue that only applies to women, it eliminates how social constructions of masculinity can perpetrate this issue. I hope to explore the silences and issues in these conversations, and in doing so analyze how the language used can prohibit or aid in progression. |
