Trump lends credence to rape culture

I remember when women were responsible for maintaining society’s moral compass. If women were sexually harassed, raped or became impregnated, it was entirely their fault. Men were perceived as biologically incapable of controlling their sexual urges.

Additionally, at least in areas of the Bible-belt, sexual intimidation of women by men was considered appropriate. I was told that it was every Christian man’s duty to separate the Madonnas from the whores.

Women today continue to be sexually exploited by males in the home, workplace and in public. From cradle to grave, according to some research, 1 in 4 women and possibly 1 in 5 men, will have experienced some form of sexual abuse during their lives. Something as seemingly harmless as a kiss can trigger feelings of powerlessness, self-doubt, fear, shame, guilt and anger.

Donald Trump’s cavalier attitude toward women and sex does little to promote healthy relationships between men and women. The swaggering context of his words does little to dispel the myths of a culture of rape. His voice only lends credence to dangerous and disrespectful behavior toward women by men who see sexual harassment as foreplay and forced sex as something owed them.

This story was originally published November 2, 2016 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Trump lends credence to rape culture."