Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.3 alpha 4/15/85; site amdcad.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!gatech!amdcad!linda From: linda@amdcad.UUCP (Linda Seltzer) Newsgroups: net.women Subject: Rape - Another Solution Message-ID: <2402@amdcad.UUCP> Date: Tue, 6-Aug-85 22:01:35 EDT Article-I.D.: amdcad.2402 Posted: Tue Aug 6 22:01:35 1985 Date-Received: Thu, 8-Aug-85 00:41:11 EDT Organization: AMDCAD, Sunnyvale, CA Lines: 39 Keywords: Violence in our culture This is not a complete solution, but I think it would help. Right now most of us economically support a culture of violence. What do most people, even well-educated professionals, do for enjoyment? - go to a movie. And usually the movie has at least ONE murder. Somehow American scriptwriters cannot restrain themselves from including at least one act of violence in their movies. Where there is not outright violence, the emotions portrayed are suspense, fear, suspicion, and emotional intensity. And so most people go to these movies because "There is nothing else to do". There are many rationalizations and excuses: "I wanted to see the computer graphics". "There was only a little bit of violence, and it was an interesting story". "We missed the last showing of the movie we really wanted to see". In spite of all rationalizations, violence is our art and our culture. Women continue to dole out their admission fees to support these Hollywood companies which make a fortune and to buy products advertised on violent TV shows? Who advertises on violent TV shows? How many auto companies? Why would the auto companies support this - in spite of the protests of parents' groups? Because as long as the streets and public transportation are not safe, we have to depend on private automobiles. If the streets were safe, why not ride the subway or a bicycle at night? Why do people continue to spend money going to violent movies rather than contributing to the local chamber music ensemble, orchestra, or arts center. Why not make contributions stipulating that the money not be used to but on productions which include violence? What does this have to do with rape? Many people consider rape to be a crime of violence, not of sex. It is often accompanied by other forms of violence. Right now violence is our entertainment - so how can our culture say that at the same time it is a problem? L. Seltzer __________________ (Does not necessarily represent the opinion of AMD)