Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

ismnotwasm

(41,977 posts)
Thu Mar 27, 2014, 11:34 AM Mar 2014

Men for Equality smash rape culture on campus

On a chilly day, an old, beaten car sits near the flagpole. The words “rape culture” cover every inch of the vehicle. A sharp bang reverberates through the air, leaving a dent in the car’s hood. A student sets a sledgehammer on the ground, removing her safety goggles. More students anxiously wait in line for their chance to smash the car.

“This is the first time I’ve seen this done ever,” SMU student Quyen Tong said.

Men for Equality hosted “Smash Rape Culture on Campus” at the flagpole Wednesday. A car from Twin Lakes Auto Salvage was donated for the event, allowing students to beat it up for $1 per hit. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of rape culture on campus. By hitting the car, students were symbolically beating up rape culture and its effects.

“Rape culture is a culture that silences and blames victims for the violent crimes that are committed against them,” Women’s Interest Network member Audrey Gill said. “[This event] is a great way to raise awareness and encourage and empower people to make campus safer for victims of sexual assault.”

All proceeds earned from the event were donated to the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center (DARCC).

“I’ve been wanting to do something for DARCC since the fall of my freshman year,” Kyle Swartz, president of Men for Equality, said. “It feels like something this symbolic should go straight to the people who need it.”

DARCC is a non-profit organization that helps victims of sexual assault and works to prevent sexual assaults in the Dallas area.

“I think it’s so amazing for…an organization on campus to raise awareness about rape culture [at SMU] and do such a bold showing at an event that incorporates lots of people and that gets a lot of attention,” said Monica Urbaniak, counselor and outreach director at DARCC.


http://www.smudailycampus.com/news/men-for-equality-smash-rape-culture-on-campus
11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Men for Equality smash rape culture on campus (Original Post) ismnotwasm Mar 2014 OP
Message auto-removed Name removed Mar 2014 #1
You again? ismnotwasm Mar 2014 #2
Ah, The Usual 'Think With Their Dicks' Slur.... The Magistrate Mar 2014 #3
Exactly so ismnotwasm Mar 2014 #4
Aww, I missed it. Lunacee_2013 Mar 2014 #5
HOF has it's very own MI ismnotwasm Mar 2014 #6
Anything (almost) that raises awareness of rape is good duhneece Mar 2014 #7
That wasn't my comment ismnotwasm Mar 2014 #8
Sorry I 'misspoke' nt duhneece Mar 2014 #11
It would be great if this idea justhanginon Mar 2014 #9
Exactly! ismnotwasm Mar 2014 #10

Response to ismnotwasm (Original post)

ismnotwasm

(41,977 posts)
6. HOF has it's very own MI
Thu Mar 27, 2014, 01:19 PM
Mar 2014
guinevere30

Childish and pointless stunt, IMHO. Do they think any predator is going to care that they smashed up a car?

Anyway, most of these men only support the feminist cause because they hope it'll get them laid

duhneece

(4,112 posts)
7. Anything (almost) that raises awareness of rape is good
Thu Mar 27, 2014, 01:24 PM
Mar 2014

That's imho. Most men want to get laid, make love, love and be loved...you sound a bit cynical?
I think it's creative and raised awareness is sorely needed.

ismnotwasm

(41,977 posts)
8. That wasn't my comment
Thu Mar 27, 2014, 01:28 PM
Mar 2014

That was from a serial disrupter who has been bothering this group in particular

MI=malicicious intruder

justhanginon

(3,290 posts)
9. It would be great if this idea
Thu Mar 27, 2014, 01:34 PM
Mar 2014

spread to other campuses. Both the car bash to draw attention and raise money and the "Men for Equality Club" which may help young men start conversations on this problem and hopefully become more enlightened adults.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»History of Feminism»Men for Equality smash ra...