The words “Rape Culture” are often scoffed at in society and categorized as just a radical viewpoint of feminists. But I’d like to disprove that it is a radical viewpoint and also just note that feminists do not hate men. So as you read, please disembark any negative thoughts you may have about feminism and keep your mind open to the fact that we do, indeed, live in a rape culture.

Rape culture describes a culture in which sexual violence is common and the attitudes, norms, practices, and media condone, normalize, excuse, and/or tolerate sexual violence. It is hard to argue that this does not happen in our society here in the United States. Look at rap music. Look at movies such as The Girl with Dragon Tattoo and the American classic, Forrest Gump. Remember the riots and support for Joe Paterno at Penn State at the end of last year. Look at most advertisements that objectify women. The list can go on.

We have normalized the idea that women are not worth dignity and respect. We have accepted that women’s rights are violated and well, that’s just the way it is. We do not get angry when we see photos of women being objectified, disrespected, or assaulted. We do not believe victims of sexual assault, instead, we victim blame due to how much she drank, the clothes she was wearing, the bar she was at, or who her group of friends are.

…That is why when I saw this photo, originally posted at Feministe, I was immediately angry because I know that most people who see it laugh. The owners that put it up probably did it as a joke. I didn’t laugh and I don’t think it’s worthy of “joke status.”

This is the sign on the bathroom door at Heeeey Saxby’s Coffee in Washington D.C. There is no violence in this photo. There is no contact in this photo. But this photo alludes to the fact that women do not deserve respect nor dignity. If they do not deserve it, then sexually assaulting them shouldn’t be a problem. Rape. Culture.

I am engulfed in the work of trying to prevent and one day eradicate sexual violence. Every day I am faced with people pushing back on my passion and brushing off the issue as if it is not a big deal. IT IS A BIG DEAL. Until we can get angry about pictures like this. Until we can start recognizing that women DO deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. Until we can use our consumer power(s) to disable profitable entities from contributing to the rape culture. Until women are no longer objectified, violated, oppressed, isolated, and assaulted. It is not until all of these things are accomplished that we will end rape culture. So until then, pictures like this are a big deal…not a laughing matter.