Tara Culp-Ressler, writing for THINKPROGRESS, on “Why Rape Prevention Activists Don’t Like The New Nail Polish That Can Detect Roofies“:
Although these products typically get a lot of press and are sometimes hailed as complete breakthroughs in the fight against sexual violence — “Soon, a fresh manicure could have the potential to save your life,” the Daily Mail proclaimed in a story about the new nail polish — activists working in the field aren’t convinced. They believe innovations like anti-rape nail polish are well-meaning but ultimately misguided.
The tool is not misguided. Developing additional means of defense does not mean that prevention efforts stop one little bit. Since when is it either/or? That line of reasoning is bogus and ridiculous. Condescension, such as that displayed in the article, does not create additional allies, nor does it gain any ground in efforts to end sexual violence in the slightest.
Advocacy organizations need to stop shooting themselves in the foot with knee-jerk idiocy. Yes, this invention does not end sexual violence across the board. It isn’t intended to do so and creating ridiculous strawmen to then argue against is dishonest. Further, it looks a bit like whining because they aren’t getting all the press for about the 5 minutes or so that this will be big news.
By the way, before the knee-jerk responses to me begin – I am a survivor and it was a woman who drugged my drink, then blackmailed me into further compliance after the alcohol and drugs wore off several hours later. Would this have stopped her from what she planned? I don’t know. However, I reserve the right to protect myself on my own terms and anyone saying otherwise IS A RAPE APOLOGIST.
“Since when is it either/or? That line of reasoning is bogus and ridiculous. ”
Excuse me, please cut and paste where this article says it’s “either/or” or that women should not or must not use this particular tool.
The article simply points out that, once again, it is putting the onus on keeping from GETTING raped rather than NOT RAPING.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Sorry, but your entitled Toxic White Feminism is showing. Might want to get that looked at soon.
Let’s start with the stupid part. First, you took what I wrote, ignored the context that is PLAINLY THERE IN THE COMMENTARY and and then posted a poorly worded, kneejerk demand for free labor from me.
Entitled much? Seriously? Do you think male survivors owe you something when you come at them like a trash-ass advocate?
No, that “article” (read: COMMENTARY), did not “simply” point out anything. It clearly trivialized a tool that was ACCIDENTALLY created by some college students. You removed all of the context and then have the nerve to start making fucked-up, entitled white woman demands on my time?
Please, check your entitled ass privilege all the way back to the rock you crawled out from under.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 6:15 pm