Rape and sexual harassment are sexual actions that are perpetrated mainly onto woman against their own will. Although rape and sexual assault have predominately been crimes committed by men where women are their victims, men become victims, also mainly assaulted by men.

Rape might be America's fastest growing violent crime. It is not clear at whether more rapes are committed or reported. Although it is clear that rape is a widespread crime.

Rape has been something that many feel has been socially constructed. Values have been passed on from generations. Boys quickly learn what it means to be male. All men are exposed to this sexual indoctrination but only some men adhere. Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, friends, faternity brothers, the rich and famous, and youth group leaders are all examples of male role models for boys.

Boys are taught through verbal and non-verbal means to be self-centered and single minded about sex, to view women as objexts and not as equals. They learn they must initiate sex and during this, they may meet with reluctance from girls. But if they persist they will ultimately get what they want. Few boys have benefit of learning what good sexual relations are by the example of men around them.

Examples

• to be self centered and single minded about sex.
• view women as objects.
• women are not equals.
• learn they must initiate sex.
• may meet with reluctance from girls, but if they continue to persist, they will ultimately get what they want.
• few boys have benefit of learning what good sexual relations are by the example of men around them, even if it is just an act.

Movie Examples

• In "Gone With The Wind" Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'hara are seen drinking and fighting. They are displayng a lot of anger towards eachother. He ends up carrying her up to bed. The next morning she is smiling.
  The point -if you knock women around a bit and overpower her, you will see that women really want it. THIS IS NOT TRUE.

• "Saturday Night Fever" reinforces the idea that women's wishes should be ignored. John Travolta wants an intimate encounter, but the woman refuses. They walk away from eachother in opposite directions. She turns around and says to him "you shouldn't have asked. You should have just done it." The message here is if you ask your going to lose opportunity.
  The point -all men and women should ask the person if intimacy is what they want.