Fuck Your Rape Culture

Over the past several days, a former Toledo Mayor (and current candidate for Mayor, Toledo is fucked up in that way; constantly recycling politicians.) was accused of groping a young woman in a local Toledo bar. Since the young woman spoke out about the harassment, she has been subjected to all manner of disgusting comments. She has been attacked for her appearance, been called a liar and even the accused man, commented on social media that this is a conspiracy to derail his current campaign.

Over the past several weeks, Patrick Kane, one of my favorite hockey players, has been accused of sexual assault. Part of me hopes that it isn't true, but most of me knows that he probably did it.

In case you have somehow missed this fact: I am a man. Why is a man writing a column about "rape culture?" Frankly, because someone has to grow a fucking pair and speak up.

First, and most importantly, as a man it is never, NEVER, never ok to rape anyone. It is never ok to have sex with anyone that is unable to consciously consent. It is never ok to touch a woman that doesn't want to be touched. It is never ok to even comment on a woman's appearance as she is walking down the street. In fact, as a man, it is our responsibility to make sure that we don't make women uncomfortable. Yes, even if you are in a bar.

Second, we will stop shaming women that speak out about their rapes. A woman is never raped because of poor decision making skills. She is never raped because of the clothes that she wears. She is never raped because she drank too much. A woman is only raped because someone raped her. That is the only reason. If you blame a woman for her rape, you are scum and don't deserve to be called a human being. If you make fun of her appearance, you should be punched in the face. A rape victim has already gone through enough torment, and it is our job as a society to be accepting of her, encouraging of her strength and honesty and to be supportive in any and every way possible.

You see, studies have found that upwards of 98% of rape victims are telling the truth. Studies show that 1 in every 4 women will be raped in their lifetime. Studies show that the United States of America is the 13th most likely country for a woman to be raped in. If these numbers don't disturb you, then you need more help than this column can provide you.

Men, this has to stop. Now. When a woman says no, stop. This is not a debate. Even if she is your wife or girlfriend. It is up to us to start changing the way women are treated.

Yes, I understand completely, that men and boys are raped too. This is equally repugnant.

Stop the fucking madness already.

I am disgusted by human behavior. We're not fucking pigs. Stop acting like them. We can be macho and dominant and strong and all of that bullshit, and still respect women.