Volatile vibes have infiltrated every square foot of our existence. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the nomination of a judge who has been accused of sexual assault. In true American tradition, the woman is blamed and doubted. How can her word be thrown out and his word held morally supreme? It does not surprise me that this man could be guilty of assaulting a girl thirty years ago. These male attitudes and behaviors still exist today! It is common knowledge of what happens at college parties with inebriated, entitled fraternity brothers. If you don’t believe me reference any of the movie titles that this judge mentioned in his statement to the judiciary committee. These films are his examples of the behaviors that existed on campus. I believe it is the code of these male institutions to engage in lewd conduct and sexual deviance with their female peers. Men in power have proudly admitted to these abuses, like grabbing women by the pussy. Since our society accepts Rape Culture as a norm, women are taught to cover up and avoid getting themselves into “bad situations”. Although our legal drinking age is 21, minors are abusing liquor and beer way before that. By college you’d better have built up a decent tolerance of these substances. When parents are sending their young adult children to college, they are really sending them into the lions den where social learning can have life long scars and consequences.

Today’s tactics in blaming the victim are insulting to human dignity. It takes courage to come forward no matter how much time has passed. No one can foresee how they will deal with personal trauma, let alone share it with the public. I am praying for the brave women who speak up about what is surely a painful trauma. When I was in college, there was an assault at a party. A group of young men violated a woman in the most degrading way. The root of the abuse came from these boys attitude of treating this young woman as a thing and not a person. Blame it on the alcohol is song not an excuse. The problem is that men believe that they are entitled to women’s bodies.

Women United are stronger than male camaraderie. It will be women and conscious men that raise a new generation of boys that value and respect their fellow sisters. Women should be able to be sexual beings without judgement. If we change our values, we could change the system of allowing these abuses to continue. There needs to be a system of support for victims and a course in change for abusers. A difference can occur when the truth is free. Let it out, no shame, only a chance for change.