Cartoons, violence against women



-Written by Adaobi Nkeokelonye

13 thoughts on “Rape!”

  1. Rape was been a hot issue just recently in the Philippines when one stand-off comedian used it as a joke to a well respected woman in our country. Rape should not used as joke just to make other people laugh, they don’t know how the victims undergo that situation. Both woman and man who had experienced rape lost their morals and dignity that money cannot replace.
    So sad to read this kind of story ;(

    1. Dear Villanueva, its indeed a rising trend all over the world. It is sad that things like this happen, the Philippines story must be interesting to read up. We all must speak against it. Thanks for reading again.

  2. what an interesting article.. it must have been difficult to expound on. A delicate and disturbing issue we must all put an end to. I am glad you found my recommendation insightful.

  3. So so sad that “cartoons” is a medium and window to view this sensitive topic.Then its a sure indication that rape education should be introduced to today’s young generation. Is anyone with me on this?

  4. Are we talking about the same cartoon circulating in social media? I found it extremely disturbing. That rape jokes are commonplace in our society goes to show the mindset of the people about it, nobody takes rape victims seriously, and we know women are mostly the victims. Guess what, only men crack those jokes (at least to my hearing). I completely flipped out at dinner with some friends over a rape joke. How can violence so invasive and dehumanizing be amusing and perceived so lightly? They thought I was over-reacting.
    I looked at the numbers above, and to be honest, the US may or may not have the highest rape numbers in reality. African countries will probably produce shocking numbers IF only it was something that is talked about or reported, if only there was appropriate legislature and the good sense to enforce it.

    1. Ann Dear, the case of African statistics on rape will indeed be shocking. The fact is that many people who are raped in Africa, may not be informed enough to conceptualize it how much more to seek for justice. This patriarchal system seems to rape the mind of many glaring truth, hence women think violence is ok. I once carried out a focus group discussion with young women on their perspective of domestic violence. You may not believe it, but almost all the girls in the circle actually said they will like to be beaten once in a while by their male partners. Now how do you criminalize violence when the supposed victim justifies it just because it facilitates more bonding, a make-up sex and some cuddling. There is a serious problem with the mental structure of most people, you may be shocked that some of them didn’t mind forceful sex too. Its very rampant, so I may understand where your friends who thought you were over-reacting are coming from.

  5. Ada, this is your best. Your knowledge of the subject is deep. You communicated with superlative clarity. Your multidiciplinary approach and passion reflected in the debates you raised.This is an important starting material for those who want to go dig the subject further. Do not run away from the laboratory of ideas for that is where you belong. Congrats.

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