Introduction
Rape is one of the most common crimes in the US and in the entire world. It is estimated that 20% of American women are victims of rape (Masters 33). Notably, numerous organizations and individuals are trying to address the problem and develop programs to prevent this type of crime. Masters explores one of the prevention strategies and examines six websites aimed at preventing rape. The researcher identifies three types of messages articulated and states that the use of the Internet can have a positive effect and can be one of the tools of prevention.
Types of Messages Articulated
In the first place, it is necessary to mention the use of websites and their positive effect on male college students. Masters states that college make students acknowledged effectiveness of the websites and lots of people hanged their attitude towards the issue (34). Hence, the researcher believes the rest of the US male (and, of course, female) population will benefit from creation of websites aimed at preventing rape. The researcher also identifies three types of websites or rather three kinds of messages articulated through these Internet resources. Remarkably, all three websites are based on the principle of the “alternative masculinity” (Masters 38).
One of the types of the websites focuses on differentiating between rapists and non-rapists. As Masters puts it, the websites “other” rapists to show that the norm is different (38). Notably, the author claims that it can be effective though there is a threat that males will not look at the problem in a way they should as they will think that they are not in that group and they are real ‘good’ men. Of course, this can have negative effects as males who are potential rapists will not regard their behavior as abnormal.
The other type of websites can be regarded as inclusive. The websites make males think that they are all potential rapist. The websites call for specific attention to one’s own behavior. Masters notes that this can be really effective as males can become more responsible and thoughtful (40).
Finally, the author claims that there are sites which focus on androgyny advocacy. In other words, these sites are trying to change the way genders are seen in the society. Males are encouraged to share females’ feelings. It is also noted that the roles and attributes of genders which exist in the society have to be changed.
Personal Reaction and Conclusion
I believe the most effective concept is inclusiveness and websites which are based on this idea will have most positive effects. Othering males can have a negative impact and make males disregard their own immoral behavior. At that, androgyny advocacy is a very long and quite controversial way as the society is unlikely to change very soon but the change is crucial. For me, it seems unlikely that androgyny is possible and can be good for the humanity. Admittedly females’ stories of their life may touch people and make them think about the wrongs of the society (Cahill 8).
Though, I believe that it is not enough to make males think more about females’ experiences. It is much more important to encourage men to be more responsible and understand that they can potentially hurt women. Apart from websites, this message should be spread through television. Educators should also communicate this message to children of very early age.
Works Cited
Cahill, Susan. Women and Fiction: Stories By and About Women. New York, NY: Signet Classics, 2002. Print.
Masters, N. Tatiana. “My Strength Is not for Hurting: Men’s Anti-Rape Websites and Their Construction of Masculinity and Male Sexuality.” Sexualities 13.1 (2010): 33-46. Print.