Is the U.S. a rapeculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Is the U.S. a rapeculture - Essay Example and is part and parcel of life even though it is not either biologically or divinely ordained; despite being a set beliefs, values or attitudes, which can be changed by society (Buchwald, Pamela and Martha XI). Therefore, from the definition, it is justifiable to say that rape culture encompasses such elements as TV, jokes, legal jargon, jokes, words, rules and regulations, etc. that formalize and normalize sexual coercion and violence against women in society. Therefore, â€Å"Is the U.S. a rape culture?† This paper looks at the extent to which the American culture can be perceive as a rape culture historically and the present. Therefore, to answer my question, â€Å"Is the U.S. a rape culture?† Yes. Statistics indicates that there are many unreported cases of rape committed in the United States both in the past and the present. According to Buchwald, Pamela and Martha, many cases of assault that are unreported by the victims are perceived either as domestic disputes or bad dates implying that the victims perceive rape as just a mere normal occurrence in life or an acceptable behavior in society. For instance, a study report carried by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992-2000 indicate that of all sexual assaults committed against women in America, only 36% of rapes, 26% of sexual assaults and 34% of attempted rapes were reported to the police signifying that most sexual assaults and rapes were not reported or treated. The report further states that, when the victims were asked why they never reported their cases to the police, they cited reasons like: they feared reprisal, it was a personal matte r or they wanted to protect the offenders (Buchwald, Pamela and Martha). Therefore, from such studies it is evident that Americans perceive rape as a culture and a normal occurrence or behavior, which is condoned in society. In addition, the monthly reports compiled by the Uniform Crime Report of the FBI from more than 17,000 law agency enforcement, which covers over