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[jeff47]

67. Ya know, I don't think I've seen a dumber argument on DU.

No really. This is quite an achievement. I mean, we've got people claiming GMOs are going to turn us all into zombies, but you've managed to top them.

1. Anyone that would listen to this message is already NOT going to be a rapist and anyone that is going to be a rapist is not going to listen to this message.

Because we all appear on this planet as fully-formed adults, and never change our opinions on any subject. Ever.

2. In targeting "reasonable" men for this "message", it sends the subtext that "regular, reasonable men" are also the ones doing the raping. I reject this and I do not believe it is true. A rapist is a criminal and a subset of scumbag. It is NOT a regular guy.

In fantasy land.

Your image of a rapist is a man lurking in the bushes, hunting for a woman to grab and then rape in an alley. Guess what? Most rapes aren't that. Most rapes are committed by men who are normally 'reasonable'. They aren't evil beasts, nor is it something comes over them, it's that they've decided that they are more important than the woman, or that she'll like it after he's started. Frequently he'll get into this situation due to alcohol or peer pressure.

3. In the way the message sets up regular situations, such as "If you are walking down the street and see a pretty woman, don't rape her." there is an implication that we the receiver of the PSA is normally confronted with an internal conflict as to whether or not to rape.

Because, again, you have this image of a rapist popping out of the shadows and attacking. While "just walking down the street" is probably hyperbole, the process of committing a rape usually starts in normal, everyday situations. Say, a party.

Personally, I have never felt any inclination, not even a LITTLE, to even CONSIDER rape -and so the "NEED" for such an obvious message is itself a passive aggressive attack.

You aren't everyone.

Shocking, I know. It's really difficult to come to terms with the idea that everyone does not think exactly as you do, but you'll get there.

Oh, and if you've never had that thought, why are you assuming they are talking about you? If you see an ad on TV for a medication you don't need, do you fly into a rage over the pharmaceutical company insinuating that you have erectile dysfunction? Or "not so fresh" days?

no need to say to a man: "If...don't rape." anymore than there is a need to say "If... don't kill" or "If...don't steal.

Sweet! Murder and theft are no more!

Oh wait....

As such, I am as certain they will not rape as I am that they will not commit other crimes such as murder, arson or assault...The implication that rape is something that boys will do unless explicitly told not to is not true and it is an offensive belief.

Wow, you're working very hard to be offended.

My son is 2 months old, so I'm going to have to wait a bit for this subject. But he'll be getting told not to rape, even if he's a saint.

Why? Because the vast majority of rapes are committed by otherwise "good" men who decided that "Don't! Stop!" would change to "Don't stop!" like in the media. It's important to counter that message. But that's the smaller reason to talk about it.

Much more importantly, even if he's not going to rape anyone it's important to discuss the culture surrounding rape and it's effects on women. Because even if your son thinks rape is an abhorrent act, he will live in a world with an awful lot of "rape culture". And it's pretty likely that he'll know a rapist or a victim.

And it's after the rape that the woman suffers most of the psychological damage. Remember the recent cases of high school girls being drugged and raped? It's the cries of "slut!" afterwards that cause far more harm. It is likely he will meet victims of rape, and it's likely that his peers will be chanting "slut!". It's important for him to understand what that does, instead of being just what "everyone else is doing".

Or more succinctly, your "don't rape" talk is not a literal instruction. It's an introduction to the subject.

5. Much more effective would be urging men and women to be on the lookout for friends (and strangers) before the rape occurs and to be courageous and brave in fighting for the rights of victims of rape after it occurs as well.

Yeah, that's what's been done for the last few decades. Has rape stopped? No? Well maybe it's not quite so effective.

And warning her that she might be exposing her to danger is no more blaming the victim than it would be to warn the old man that he is in danger.

Because neither one is a victim yet. Once she is raped, or the man is robbed, your warnings are a transfer of blame - You warned her not to wear that outfit...

Oh, and again you are still stuck on the image of rapists lurking in the shadows. They're far more likely to be the woman's boyfriend or other acquaintance. Because he was a 'nice guy' up until he decided to rape her.