This is a copy of an email I got from a dear friend. I liked it so much I couldn't keep it to myself. Enjoy!
"subject: warning...this is me ranting a little!
It's not much info on it but I thought it could spark some good conversation possibly around the idea of date rape.
http://inventors.about.com/b/2011/08/18/anti-date-rape-straw.htm
"hopefully this invention will help keep women safe" !?!? A straw doesn't keep women safe, people not drugging women is what keeps women safe. Why is it that our society can make money creating/selling a "date rape straw" that tests for date rape substances in drinks...when the real problem is the fact that people in our society commit date rape. Just further proves the point that we need to treat the roots of the problem, not the symptoms. Get rid of date rap by changing attitudes toward rape, then you don't have to sell a stupid straw.
ok I'm off my soapbox."
###
My friend hits the nail on the head. I do believe Mr. Patolsky was well intended in his invention. But, this further illustrates the underlying message ingrained in our culture: "Hey girls, before you go out tonight- when you toss your lip gloss and ID into your clutch, make sure you've saved enough room for your whistle, pepper spray and date rape prevention straw. That is of course, if you don't want to be raped."
I just have to wonder at what point rape became viewed as such a seemingly inevitable part of a woman's life? Has our society really gotten to the point that we've started advocating women bring a science fair project with them to the bar? Again, I understand it's well intended. But the concept translates into a form of acceptance when what we should be doing is taking a stand against rape. We continue to "up the ante" for women with a number of safety precautions (translated into safety expectations) while inadvertently fostering a, "well it happens" attitude. It's just as my friend said above, "Get rid of date rap by changing attitudes toward rape,
But, one last question before I go... Do the straws come in XL for us ladies who prefer long neck bottle? Just food, err, beer for though. Cheers!
This straw could save a life. I almost died in my 20s from a date rape drug slipped in my drink (I'm allergic to all similar drugs and my heart stopped). The only thing that saved me was fate, as a nurse just happen to be there to revive me in the club's bathroom and keep me alive until the ambulance got there. This straw would have saved me from that awful experience. Spread the word and, once they're on the market, buy them for your daughters!
ReplyDeleteHi Tracey,
DeleteI am so sorry that happened to you. What a terrifying experience, I'm so glad the nurse was there to help you. I really appreciate your bravery in sharing that with us.
You are absolutely right- these straws can save lives. As can pepper spray and mace. I'm certainly not suggesting that using any of the above mentioned precautions is wrong or not a worthy endeavor. I just believe our society places too much focus on teaching women to "prevent" rape rather than teaching people not to commit rape.
I believe when we focus too closely, or even solely on women's prevention, we inadvertently create an environment that harbors victim blaming. All too often I hear, "Well it wouldn't have happened if she'd...[not been so drunk, carried mace, not worn such scandalous clothing..."] and so on. Unfortunately, many women (myself included) don't/did't think to carry mace to a friends house, use self defense on a person they know well, or perhaps, bring their own straw with them on a night out with close friends.
I support any measure that promotes women's safety. But, I would like to see the accountability of preventing rape shift from the victim to the attacker.
Again, thank you for sharing and supporting the MMOM Movement. Keep fighting the good fight!