Abomination

Rape isn't funny.

Rape is horrible.

It's a violation of personal space like no other.

What people seem to forget, though, is that it isn't the only atrocity that falls into these categories.

Calm down, I'm not downplaying anything or being dismissive of rape victims. I'm saying it isn't the pinnacle of criminal acts. Rape isn't the holy grail of the damned.

Ergo, it should be talked about.

Too many people are giving this boorish, base, near-exclusively human behavior way too much reverence. I've heard so much about "rape culture" that it's getting tiresome. I find myself rolling my eyes, and feeling guilty for simply bumbling along my life, being lucky enough (so far) to not have been brutally overpowered and violated.

The shame tactics don't work, and they're unjust. Those of us who happen to be male, and have NOT committed rape (believe it or not, there are quite a few of us) should not feel guilty or ashamed because we came equipped with penises.

Here are a few other facts about rape that seem to either get glanced over, or completely tossed asunder by the howling, finger-pointing, soapbox-climbing masses:

Rape isn't about sex, it's about power.

Not all victims are female.

Not all victims are children.

Not all rapists are men.

Yes, rape is an abysmal crime, worthy of our contempt, but it isn't the only one, and the word itself should not be protected, enshrined, and unnamed. It isn't the highest crime against humanity. You flinch when I say the word "rape" as though invoking the thing's name is tantamount to committing the crime, but I can't help wondering if you'd react the same to the word "murder."

Most rape victims will go through the rest of their lives with debilitating flashbacks and other lasting effects from their attack. They'll need a fuck ton of therapy, and they'll be scarred for life. They'll have sensitivities, or may even be completely withdrawn. Most rape victims will live. It'll be difficult, but they will go on.

100% of murder victims will not.