I see four primary functions of tattoos: signs of group affiliation, signs of status/power, signs of sexual prowess/availability, and signs of individial expression/differentiation. You would expect something no less affirming from permanent emblem voluntarily etched by so many. For my part, I have to confess, my own reaction to the image you chose is closer to fear than contempt. I see it as a sign of group(gang) affiliation and status/power rather than deviance and inferiority.

I find it insulting that it’s assumed ONLY ethnic persons could possibly have curly, dry hair. Why must I purchase chemicals that destroy my hair’s natural texture, while products that are actually designed to work with natural curls are marketed only to ‘ethnic’ people?

And what the heck does that word mean, anyway? I’m ethnic. Ethnically German. So, I guess that means it’s my section, too?

Everything a woman would want from men: idealized.
Over sexualized, perfect physiques, absolute confidence, coming to aid, kindness.
Revealing outfits … and yes: tough and strong.

Grow up.

“The reference that feminists use to ‘blaming the victim’ as being an unacceptable dismisses the reality of false rape accusations. The more blame you place completely on the male, the more you blur the lines of what constitutes as rape and what doesn’t.”

Firstly, I would like to begin with stating the fact that if a woman feels she has been raped; that is her perogitive to express. And for these so called ‘false rape accusations’ I’m sure their existence is minor. This argument is redundant and idiotic, quite frankly. Why should we be focusing on ‘false rape accusations’ when there is a gamut of issues which deals with RAPE; i.e rape culture and blatant violence towards women.

“Realizing rape culture, to a feminists, is accepting that those two events stem from the same patriarchal mentality”

Rape culture itself has been cultivated primarily by heterosexual males; and the assumption (more so realization) that this ideology stems from patriarchal mentality is completely valid. The ideology surrounding hegemonic masculinity is deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, as men are perceived (and claim to…) be dominant over women.

To elaborate on the original post; which I agree with entirely (wonderful post!)
It’s difficult for me to discuss victim blaming as it angers me so deeply. The equivocation of victim blaming translates to “women should change their behavior to avoid getting raped”. Rather than focusing on the fundamental issue at hand, which is the RAPIST. There have been many approaches such as the modest approach vs the hypersexualized approach. Both define female sexuality by how it relates to the male gaze. In both cases women’s bodies are seen an instrument to be kept hidden or displayed. By targeting women as instigating components of rape; is absurd. We need to send the message that WOMEN’S BODIES belong to women. Whether a woman is dressed with her body covered or displayed, it is not an invitation for rape. We must shift the paradigm in order to liberate ourselves (women). We need to send the message that; this is my body and it belongs to me; you may not violate my body no matter how I dress myself, how I speak, how I behave etc. We need the legislative bodies TO COOPORATE and stop allowing patriarchy to rule the judicial system.

As for male survivors of sexual assault; we must move away from the stereotypes surrounding hegemonic masculinity, i.e men are immune to victimization, men should be able to fight off attacks, men shouldn’t express emotion etc.) We need to offer support to male victims in order to dissolve the stigma surrounding male behaviorism. (I hope this helps)