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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)