by Ximena Ramirez
Missouri GOP Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Todd Akin comments
on his reasoning for opposing abortion even in cases of rape – or
should I say “legitimate rape” – have deservedly received much criticism
over the last few days.
Of all the commentary I have read, there is one piece that for me struck a real chord. Playwright and activist Eve Ensler’s response
as a rape survivor brought me to tears while I simultaneously clapped
and cheered as I read her powerful words. Here are the parts that meant
the most to me.
Rape is Rape
“The underlying assumption of your statement is that women and their
experiences are not to be trusted. That their understanding of rape must
be qualified by some higher, wiser authority. It delegitimizes and
undermines and belittles the horror, invasion, desecration they [rape
survivors] experienced. It makes them feel as alone and powerless as
they did at the moment of rape.”
Excuses, Excuses
“Did you honestly believe that rape sperm is different than love
sperm, that some mysterious religious process occurs and rape sperm
self-destructs due to its evil content? Or, were you implying that women
and their bodies are somehow responsible for rejecting legitimate rape
sperm, once again putting the onus on us? It would seem you were saying
that getting pregnant after a rape would indicate it was not a
‘legitimate’ rape.”
Less Talking, More Doing
“I am asking you and the GOP to get out of my body, out of my vagina,
my womb, to get out of all of our bodies. These are not your decisions
to make. These are not your words to define…Why don’t you spend your
time ending rape rather than redefining it? Spend your energy going
after those perpetrators who so easily destroy women rather than parsing
out manipulative language that minimizes their destruction.”
Amen!
What did you think about Akin’s comments regarding rape? What about
Ensler’s comments? Have you read any responses that really struck a
chord with you? Please share in the comments!
Photo credit: Photo by MoBikeFed used under a Creative Commons license.
Related from Care2:
Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/rape-survivor-eve-ensler-responds-to-akins-legitimate-rape-comments.html#ixzz24k7O8O2E
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