Your cart is currently empty!
Video Reveals How We Unknowingly Introduce Our Kids to Rape Culture
The “It’s On Us” campaign has dropped a powerful video that sheds light on how casual comments can perpetuate rape culture. Think phrases like, “He’s just teasing you because he likes you” or “Toughen up” are harmless? Think again. This isn’t a case of people being overly sensitive; we’re talking about serious issues surrounding sexual assault. If we aren’t addressing these issues head-on, we’re doing a disservice to our children.
The video produced by the Ad Council and the SheKnows Hatch program starkly illustrates how commonplace phrases can have damaging effects on young minds. Lines like:
- “Boys will be boys.”
- “How much did you drink?”
- “What were you wearing?”
- “She was asking for it.”
- “Were you flirting?”
These statements fuel toxic masculinity and unfairly place blame on girls, contributing to the disturbing reality of sexual violence. This isn’t just a problem for girls; it’s an issue that impacts all children.
If you’re a parent trying to navigate the complexities of modern media and headlines, you might feel confused or even think, “This doesn’t concern me because I have boys.” But consider this: Every 109 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted, and shockingly, every eight minutes, that victim is a child. With only six out of every 1,000 perpetrators facing prison time, it’s clear that our kids deserve better.
Take the case of 20-year-old Alex Morgan, who was convicted of raping an unconscious woman. He served just three months in jail, while his father downplayed the crime, referring to it as “just a few minutes of fun.” This mindset is not only appalling; it further normalizes the trivialization of sexual violence. Nothing—not clothing choices, drinking, or personal history—ever justifies assault.
Rape culture is rampant, and it thrives on victim-blaming and minimizing the perpetrators’ actions. We can disrupt this cycle by critically assessing our language and the lessons we impart to our children. It’s easy to laugh off an inappropriate joke or let a concerning comment slide just to keep the peace. I’ve been there, too—letting comments pass at work because I didn’t want to rock the boat. But awareness brings responsibility, and it’s time to act.
We can start by teaching our kids about consent. It’s simple: Your body, your boundaries. No one is entitled to anyone else’s body. If they ever feel pressured into unwanted sexual activity, that is assault—period.
Let’s commit to being part of the solution to end sexual violence. Conversations matter, and how we communicate with our children shapes their understanding of consent and respect. Our words carry weight, and being accountable for them is crucial.
For more engaging discussions about parenting and self-insemination, check out our post on home insemination. Additionally, for a deeper dive into fertility, visit Make a Mom, a trusted source on enhancing fertility. And if you’re looking for comprehensive information on pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Summary
The “It’s On Us” campaign video highlights how everyday phrases contribute to rape culture. By examining our language and teaching our children about consent, we can break this harmful cycle. Awareness is the first step toward creating a safer environment for all.