Digital Argument Video

RAPE CULTURE

SKILLS USED: Academic Research; Writing; Sound Design; Editing; Post-Production; Adobe Premiere.

BRIEF:

I studied rape culture in America, because I wanted to find out how representations of gender create and perpetuate societal attitudes towards sexual violence and what the embodied effects of this are, in order to determine and promote solutions to help combat rape culture.

I highlight how the ideologies that contribute to larger gender-based inequalities often begin to influence individuals during early adolescence. I used clips from “Suite Life on Deck” (2010) because of Myers’ observation that “Television has an especially great impact on children, who consume it while their identities are being formed.” (Myers. 2012.) I included clips from other television shows and movies to emphasize how sexist ideology is perpetuated through media targeted at a diverse range of audiences. I drew a connection between media representation and the behavior of real people. By zooming in on the character, Leonard, I created a match cut between him and Billy Bush, showing how Bush fills the role of the bystander portrayed by a fictional character.

While social media can be used to house rape culture and perpetuate sexist ideas, it also “…offers an important vehicle for seeking accountability and justice—from targeting everyday acts of sexism and rape-supportive statements to sexual violence itself” (2016. Sills). The internet allows marginalized voices to be heard on a global scale. I included examples from the #MeToo movement and other positive social media use to show the importance of using the internet, among other platforms, to hold purveyors of rape culture accountable.

I also aimed to empower my audience by reminding them how “…no one group of people ultimately ‘has’ power; rather, power is a relationship within which classes of people struggle.” (Cartwright and Sturken. 2002. p. 71). The fight to end rape culture and its effects is continuous and must be taken up by a collective of individuals.  I wanted to show the viewer that organized citizens have the power to break an oppressive culture and push society closer to equality.