The Problem with Rape Culture in Popular Media

Written by Shae Rufe 

I have often wondered what it is about certain story lines that draw people to them. Personally, I think there are some stories and plots that need to be eliminated from popular media forms. One of which is the ever over used, and frankly insulting, sexual assault. Typically, it’s a female character that is burdened with this act, and she eventually becomes a strong woman because she overcame what happened to her and is able to function as if it never happened. With the exception of when the plot calls for her to suddenly face her attacker or relate to another character going through something similar. Now, I am not suggesting that surviving sexual assault makes anyone weak by ANY means. I am simply saying that as a plot device, this needs to be removed entirely. Quite frankly, adding rape culture is not something shows, and comics should be proud of. 

The idea that this happens so often that it should just be accepted as a norm is not acceptable. It never has been. And yet it still pops up in modern media all the time, and there is something about a character over coming sexual assault that should be credited. However, my issue is that 9 times out of 10, this little plot twist is somehow a female character’s defining characteristic. Surviving rape should never be taken lightly. Yes, there are positive ways to showcase this in a character. 

Yet most of the time, it is only ever shown as just a blip on that character to make to push a short-lived plot along. In other cases I find this topic thrown around in popular shows simply to get more ratings. When it comes to the ever, weirdly, popular show Outlander, I really do not get the draw. I attempted the show for two seasons and was not thrilled with it in the slightest. For starters their main character, Claire, is sexually assaulted and nearly raped to a ridiculous level. Which, for some, is a huge trigger. The show even went as far as to show their antagonist assaulting a younger child and later raping the protagonist’s love interest. Yes, it did show the after effects of rape and how people deal with it, especially male on male rape, but it was wholly unnecessary. Especially since these scenes aren’t skimmed over in the slightest. I was lucky enough to have someone with me who had previously watched the show to warn me of specific scenes, but that is not the case for other viewers., 

Game of Thrones is another show that does nothing but add to the rape culture. While I have not personally watched it, I have heard about the numerous sex scenes, including the rape ones, and the added bonus of incest. Now, I am not knocking anyone who likes this show, it is a matter of preference. But I cannot tell you how many times I have had people tell me to ‘just get past all that, it’s a good show.’ Clearly, many agree with that sentiment, given the show’s popularity. I, on the other hand, am not willing to ‘just get past all that’. A good show shouldn’t have to include rape. A good show should still be a really good show without all of that; because rape is not sexy. Being a rape survivor is not a characteristic. Yes, sadly these things do happen in real life. Yet, they do not need to be propagated in the media. Regardless of gender, a survivor should never be made to feel as if they are a novelty. There are ways to show a strong character, particularly a strong female character, without the added sexual assault. 

This subject should be talked about, yes, but the media needs to do its part and stop using rape as a plot device or a characteristic, and they must stop glorifying the act. Some shows are quick to share the after effects of victims, and truly showcase the reality of this devastating act. Yet there are still others who would rather cash in with a rating boost. Rape is not a fantasy. It is NEVER okay to force oneself onto another. And it is not something people secretly desire. Some media platforms would do wisely to change their use of rape. So many have become desensitized to it happening in shows that they do not even notice. The phrase ‘just get past that part’ will always ring in my head. Rape culture is a real thing and it is not something shows should be proud to capitalize on.

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