Paper 1

Kady Newman

Professor Bill Condon

3 February 2015

Writing Assignment 1

The Sexual Assault Problem on Christian College Campuses

    Private, conservative Christian schools are clearly very different, when compared

to their fellow public universities. For one, their value systems hold completely different

ideals and beliefs. The ways in which private school values are carried out are “inspired”

by the fellowship in which they choose to follow as a school. These colleges are not

places in which you would ever expect to hear of sexual assault, abuse and rape to take

place. However, this sort of thing can happen to anyone, anywhere, and should not be

ignored based on the image private Christian college campuses want to uphold. In fact,

due to the religious beliefs and ideals held by these institutions, there is a large sexual

assault problem on these campuses. The denial that all students hold the same

Christian values as the institution does, is essentially where this problem arises.

Colleges such as Bob Jones University, and Pensacola Christian College hold their

students to walk the enlightened “Pathway” to God. Not following the Christian values of

staying abstinent until marriage is one of the many values these institutions take very

seriously. However, when any act of sexual abuse occurs, it becomes more of the

victims fault than the actual perpetrators. Many of the victims on these campuses

decided to stay quiet about their experiences for years because of the hostile

environment they would be putting themselves into, had they not. The ways in which the

victims are treated after sexual assault occurs on these campuses has practically

invited sexual abuse to take place. At private Christian schools, sexual assault means a

completely different thing than at a public university, and is arguably more troubling in

the ways the schools choose to respond.

    Private universities, do not rely as much on federal funding, and therefore are not

held liable for the same things that large public universities are. Also, police are not

involved to the extent that they should be on college campuses. This leaves problems of

the lack of punishment to the offender, and an increased shift of fault onto the victim.

Sexual assault is something that private schools do not have to legally take as seriously

among other things. The values at conservative Christian schools revolve around faith

and religion with the highest of regards. At places such as Pensacola Christian College,

students upon admission must sign waivers and mission statements saying they will

adhere to these religious guidelines. If they do not abide by these rules, than they can

essentially be expelled from the school at any time. One example of this would be if a

student is caught fornicating, than they can be kicked out of some of these colleges for

not abiding by the Christian values. The problem stems from this issue: students are

believed to hold the ideals of the church, such as abstaining from sex while on campus,

due to the sin of fornicating before marriage.

    At Bob Jones University and Pensacola Christian College, many students have

fallen victim to sexual assault in the past and the present. It appears that even when

these Christian schools hold Christian values, they tend to turn a blind eye, or deny that

these events take place on their campuses. It was not made easy for any victim

to come forth and tell their experience. In fact, counselors at these institutions

encouraged many victims of sexual assault to keep quiet after the fact. It was also

discouraged that any of these victims file formal police reports against their

perpetrators. Due to the strict Christian values of the school, these students are

believed to be abstinent. Therefore, the victims were told that they should be held

accountable for their part in the crime. The schools essentially told victims that they are

somewhat responsible for the crime that took place, because they were technically

active in the event. Victims were told that they also needed to repent for their sins and

ask for forgiveness, which made many feel as if they were really at fault. Of course, any

person would feel discouraged to come out and tell their experience, given these harsh

and unforgiving circumstances.

    When victims did decide to come out, despite these factors, they were treated

differently by the institution altogether. Because it is the belief on these campuses that

all sin is equal, the victim now looks as if they are a perpetrator and sinner alike. If they

do not get expelled for this kind of behavior, than they will nonetheless be seen in a

negative light. This creates a hostile environment for the victim, who rarely will ever see

justice. If you were a sexual assault victim on this sort of campus, would you feel

comfortable to come forward? Many of the victims from Bob Jones University, and

Pensacola Christian College, decided to come forward years after they left the schools.

They claimed that the institutions made it nearly impossible for any sort of change to

emerge. By denying their students were having sex, than holding them responsible for

the sexual assault that happened to them because of it, many former students felt

trapped. In most cases, the victim would either come forward, and possibly be expelled,

or face scrutiny from the institution for the rest of their college career. It was much

easier for most to hold it in and keep it a secret in fear of anything happening. By not

accepting that kids are abiding by their every Christian demand, these schools have

created larger problems. They continue to hold the belief that each of their students

would never sin, or break one of their Christian values. Therefore, they are in denial that

their students are anything less than perfect, and do not believe these kinds of things

could ever possibly take place on their campuses because of that. The institutions are in

denial, and are inviting sexual assault to happen in contrary. This has created little to no

justice, and many of the perpetrators are still at large [probably with college degrees

from these schools].

    It is not fair for any student to pay money to attend these schools, and not be

protected against the harsh realities of rape and sexual abuse. These private Christian

schools are advertised as places of fellowship and good values. Their images as private

campuses, are upheld as being safe and nurturing for their students, and all others who

walk their streets. Yet, their own values have turned onto them, and help to create the

events that take place on these campuses. The institutions are at fault, not any student

who falls victim to sexual assault. Students should not be punished and exiled for

something they had no control over. Also, a student should not be held liable just

because they are not in complete agreement with the school’s Christian values. Instead

of turning a blind eye to these situations, constructive actions should be taking place in

turn.

    This phenomena has been going on for countless years, and not much has been

done about it. Bob Jones University finally reached out in an article, apologizing to each

of the victims who felt insecure about coming forward. However, this sort of thing is still

taking place on some private school campuses and even public schools as well. So,

what can be done? For one, private Christian schools must start being held accountable

for everything that takes place on their campuses, no matter what image it leaves to the

public. They need to know that in our modern day, there are going to be kids who are

indeed having sex before marriage. This should not be looked at through judging eyes,

but as a diversity of differences in opinions of students. An apology should be made to

each victim of sexual assault from the past, who felt no justice for the pain they endured

while on these campuses. These private institutions must make it their number one

priority to counteract this kind of behavior in the future. Values statements must be

reevaluated, and beliefs altogether should be a students own personal choice, rather

than an institutions. Places like Bob Jones University, and Pensacola Christian College

would not feel the need to apologize to the public, if they felt that they had not been in

the wrong. It is up to them alone to make it up to their campus, and ensure the safety of

their students in the future, no matter their beliefs.

Paper 2

Kady Newman

Professor Bill Condon

17 March 2015

Paper Two

50 Shades of Grey Areas

How we think about rape, can be proclaimed in many different ways. In fact, it is safe to say that we think about it in 50 or more different ways. Yet, where does the Kairos of rape come from? How is it created? Most importantly, why do certain situations call for different calls to action? There are subtleties in our culture of what is considered acceptable, or not. Of course, every one person stands on their own line, and holds their own specific beliefs. This is what makes rape and the culture around it so hard to decipher. In other words, there are many grey areas involved in the way our society thinks of rape, and how they decide to react to it.

In our present society today, the Kairos surrounding rape has been ever-changing due to risque’ literature and movies. The book and film, “50 Shades of Grey”, by E.L. James is an example of the evolving branch of culture surrounding implied date rape. This form of abuse depicted in 50 Shades, is no longer about violent acts of rape, but subtle implied acts, which push the boundaries of rape altogether. The underlying themes of sex, rape, and abuse in this book and film are romanticized in such a way that deflects the idea of rape. However, what makes this type of story “OK” to readers and our current society, when compared to other real cases of rape and abuse? Why does society allow these types of underlying themes to dominate the box office. Furthermore, do the differences in which rape comes about change the Kairos of rape altogether?  

Dissecting "50 Shades of Grey", was quite an eye opener to myself. For one, I read the book a few years ago but did not think twice about it until the movie recently came out. I understand there is a difference between date rape and violent rape. However, the act of rape is always violent, and an act of dominance. The ways in which rape can come about can vary, and it seems to make a difference in our society. The different ways in which rape can come about has led to where the origination of the million ways we tend to think about rape. This is where the different shades and actual areas of grey come about as well. When looking at a book, such as, “50 shades of Grey”, it can also be portrayed in many ways. It may not fit the exact status of “rape”, yet it certainly shares many themes that could very well be considered “rapey”.

I believe our society is to blame, when it comes to the rape cultures we experience. We have glorified rape to make it seem as though it is something else. For example, disguising the book 50 Shades, as a romance changes the Kairos of it. It then becomes a sort of fantasy, by showing a changing of heart in the “abuser”. In the book, the man Christian Grey, starts out as unattainable, due to a secret of his. Suddenly a young and naive girl, Anastasia Steele comes along and puts up with him and his dark secret. Because of this, Anastasia is seen as a “game changer”, and in the process changes him. The many forms of shady behavior from Christian Grey seem to be thrown to the side, because there is consent from his “submissive”. The many forms of dominance, are then seen as acceptable because it has been turned into a romance.  

One cannot simply agree with the underlying themes of rape and abuse, just because the man has changed his ways. Yet, this is the way society has chosen to depict such a story.

Now to the real question, what makes Christian Grey and what he does so appealing? I believe it is his good looks, and status [wealthy, powerful, etc.]. This story is seen as a fantasy and the fact that Christian Grey has all of these things is the excuse for why his behavior is “OK”. If Christian Grey had none of these things, than would his behavior still be seen as acceptable? It is possible that if he had none of these attributes, and lived the opposite life, than he may be seen in a negative manner. If he were not any of these things or even only one of these things would he simply be considered a rapist? I know that Anastasia signs a contract in the story, yet Christian stalks her, trespasses, and forces himself onto her all the same. At one point he actually assaults her. Is this okay?

In this case, the story is somewhat appealing to the audience for reasons such as romance, lust, and money. The other themes of sexual abuse seem to be overlooked because of this. However, if one considered changing the story, by changing the circumstances of the characters, one will see 50 Shades in a much different light. By doing so, one is able to see why such themes are unacceptable. Also, it goes to show how the different ways [and circumstances] of how rape comes about, really can alter the ways in which we think about rape overall. Therefore, what would it even take to disrupt the themes and Kairos of 50 Shades? More importantly, what would it mean in order to do so? Well, it would certainly change the narrative and story of a situation [or in this case a story].

“50 Shades of Grey”, is an “erotic fantasy”, yet what if the story was different? What if Christian continued his same exact behavior, but had no glorious assets to back him up. Well, he would most likely be considered a sexual offender or an abuser. There may be a romance between the two, yet his other behaviors would no longer be overlooked. Most likely, Anastasia would choose not to stay with him because there is no longer a larger appeal to his character. Once again, what if the character of Christian Grey and his assets stayed the same, but the story differed? What if Anastasia was the dominant figure in 50 shades, rather than Christian? Would this story be considered less "rapey" and more acceptable? The answer is probably. This would change the power dynamics, which if they were more evenly distributed in this story, than Anastasia may have just as much power as Christian. The idea of complete and total authority over the women in the story would cease to exist. This would make the story much more “normal”, in contrast to a fantasy. However, the story would not be as controversial and the themes of rape and abuse would not exist either. Which story would society prefer? The original 50 Shades, the 50 Shades in which Christian has no money and power, or the 50 Shades that contains equal rights and less racey themes. The answer would probably remain with the original, “50 Shades of Grey” by E.L. James. There are a million different ways in which rape can come about, and how society chooses to look upon it. Yet, our rape culture has also picked up on this and can disguise a story such as this one to contain themes of rape, yet cannot actually call it by it’s name; rape.

I wish I could say that the different ways in which rape comes about, has nothing to do with a changing idea of Kairos. However, in our society today it is clear that this has everything to do with it. In our culture, there are degrees as to what is considered right and wrong. This scale is completely skewed and flawed because our culture seems to glorify sex, wealth, power, etc. Because there are so many grey areas surrounding rape altogether, it is hard to spot the exact points between what is considered rape, and what is not. Our culture does not seem to know when a line is being crossed or not, because of this. That is why “50 Shades of Grey”, may be seen as a romance to one, and a tale of abuse to another. In our society, it is important to understand that stories like these are not to be taken literally, and that if this was a real life situation than one should feel condemned to report this type of activity to the police. The one thing our society can really do to combat rape culture is just that: decipher what would or would not be “OK” in real life, and make your own call to action based on your own conclusion.  

Works Cited:

James, E. L. Fifty Shades of Grey. England: Windsor/Paragon, 2011. Print.

Understanding Pathos

There is a quest to better respond to our culture of rape. How do we do so?

Today, we read chapters 7 and 8 from The ARCS book. 
-We were asked how to use emotional appeals, or "pathos", to better respond to rape and rape culture. My group thought that pathos helps to put ourselves in the victim's shoes. It helps us to be more compassionate and want to find better options for them to feel supported. It also helps to gain sympathy for victims. You can also better appeal to your audience by ways you are using your emotions.

We also talked about the ways in which the media always questions the victim, by straying away from emotions and pathos. 

Pathos as a Commonplace:
-It is important to know what your audience feels about rape, and then change your commonplace accordingly.
We know that rape is used as a tool of domination, and that Pathos can be perceived and used differently throughout the world. Many cultures view rape in different ways. 

The media, is a public response, which tries to be "unbiased". They must speak in a way in order to make the common public feel comfortable. Therefore, the Pathos tends to stay away from Pathos. 

What is a more proactive approach? We all agreed in class as well, that a Collective Compassion is something our society needs to achieve. But, how could this happen? Well, it all starts by creating a reason and place for people to care. In other words, put a human face on it. It's important to try and put yourself in the victim's position. Otherwise, it is really hard to connect to someone in which you cannot find some common ground. Also, workshops, education, spreading awareness, peace rallies, and even poetry slams help to spread a collective compassion towards sexual assault victims in our society. 

We also talked about the different tactics and ways to appeal through emotions:
-Education of rape culture. 
-Prevention-only tells you what not to do. Be prepared to know what to do, yet do not use it unless you have to. 
-negatives vs. positives.
-appealing to pity=bad. 
-Be proactive, rather than reactive [our justice system is reactive].
-Help victims regain their strength. 

Cultural Studies-50 Shades of Grey

We think about rape in a lot of different ways. In fact, it is safe to say that we think about it 50 different ways, or even 100 plus ways. However, how is the Kairos of rape created and destroyed? Why is it so difficult to decipher? We talked about the movie and books, "50 Shades of Grey", in class and it was quite an eye opener. 
There is a difference between date rape and violent rape. The act of rape is always violent, and an act of dominance, but how does it come about? I think that the different ways in which rape can come about is where the origination of the million ways we tend to think about rape. This is where the shades and actual areas of grey come about as well. When looking at a book, such as 50 shades of Grey, we can portray it in many ways as well. However, what makes 50 shades of Grey more of a date rape, than any other kind? 

I believe our society is to blame, when it comes to the rape cultures we experience. How is there such a thing as the book, 50 shades of Grey, and how is it one of the fastest grossing movies/books of our current time? Well, society uses this idea of "men taking advantage of women", and turns it into a euphemism. Sex and domination are the causes for rape to occur in many cases. What would it even take to disrupt the Kairos of these acts? More importantly, what would it mean in order to do so? Well, it would certainly change the narrative and story of a situation [or in this case a story]. 

50 Shades of Grey is an archetypal story, or a weird fantasy/ fairytale. What if the Kairos of 50 shades was different? What if the story was different? For example, what if Anastasia was the dominant figure in 50 shades, rather than Christian? would this movie be considered less "rapey" and more acceptable? The answer is probably. However, this would change the power dynamics.

Now to the real question, what makes Christian Grey and what he does so appealing? I believe it is his good looks, and status [wealthy, powerful, etc.]. If he were not any of these things or even only one of these things would he simply be considered a rapist? I know that Anastasia signs a contract, yet he stalks her, trespasses, and forces himself onto her. At one point he actually assaults her. Is this okay? It's certainly up for questioning. 

So, what would it take to bring someone of such power down? Well, it all comes down to if there are enough people to step up and say the same thing happened to them. An example would be, Bill Cosby and the women who have claimed they have been sexually assaulted by him. What if Anastasia took the the contract Christian makes her sign to the Seattle Times, or somewhere else to get it out to the public what his personal life is all about. What if his private room was made public? He could lose his source of influence and power from a blow like that. He at least may no longer look like a clean cut businessman. He could lose power, but could also potentially gain a different kind of power at the same time, by giving him edge. He could also claim that his private life is his own business, etc. It could potentially create a shifted persona. It may also create a circumstance in which people would not be caught by surprise. These are all hypothetical of course, and are things in which we pondered in class.

What do people think they know?

I was instructed to read up on the myths and facts that surround rape and rape culture in our society. As a class, we came up with many things in which we felt acknowledged certain myths about rape.

Myths:
1. Rape is black and white; no grey areas.
2. There is an overestimation of unreported rapes and false accusations.
3. Speaking about one's experience to the media, is healing. 
4. Only one rape happens per rapist. 
5. Physical evidence is unimportant. 
6. Rapes are done by strangers. 

-We believed as a class, that society tends to push certain values onto women, even at a young age. 
-Doing what society tells women to do, has created a social paradigm. 

-There are many incentives as to why these problems should be solved. Accuracy of information and awareness should be available to everyone, in order to minimize their risks for being caught in bad situations. If people felt more of the understanding that these sorts of things can really happen to anyone, than they would be minimizing their risks as well. If it were possible to change the cultural perceptions of rapes, rather than how they are portrayed by the media, than these understandings about rapes would be more widely spread.

Changing the Kairos that surrounds rape and rape culture:
-Reporting can stop a rapist from raping again. Rapists often times have multiple victims. Therefore, if you can report a rapist, than you can also stop them from having any other victims. This would change the motivation in terms of rapists, law enforcement, and the victims of rape and sexual abuse. There may also be more incentive to spend resources towards getting a rapist off the streets. We must change our definition of rape, as well as the problems it poses in our society. Also, rape is full of grey areas-in fact, I believe it is all grey. Everyone must know the facts versus the myths of rapes.