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OK. But TFA does push the interpretation that it's about retroactive change of mind. I get what you say about "coercive circumstances that existed at the time
by mirimir 7y ago
OK. But TFA does push the interpretation that it's about retroactive change of mind.
I get what you say about "coercive circumstances that existed at the time of the act." However, the following paragraph isn't at all reassuring. I mean, there may well be circumstances that pressure someone into having sex. But if their sexual partner isn't personally responsible for those circumstances, why should they suffer?
- rayiner 7y agoThat may be, but the article is characterizing McKinnon’s view, not quoting it. As to “responsibility” it’s not an easy concept either. People who don’t create the coercive circumstances often knowingly take advantage of them. I’d point out that when McKinnon wrote the quote, it was still legally impossible in some states to rape your wife. (Marriage was essentially considered irrevocable consent.) Even today, social dynamics are geared toward what male expectations—sex on demand with no strings attached. Any given man many not create this framework, but they live within it and take advantage of it. (Although that’s slowly changing. They did an investigation at my kid’s school into widespread sex between male teachers and high school students in the 1970s and 1980s. At the time it was “bad” but tolerated. Today we would call it rape. The liberalism of the sexual revolution, which as Dworkin points out accrued largely to the benefit of men, is being recalibrated and that’s a good thing.)
- mirimir 7y agoI do appreciate the historical context. And I agree that sexual assault and harassment aren't acceptable. But if the women profiled in TFA are credible, things have gone too far on college campuses.