Part A: Article Analysis

For Part A of the exam you will be reading and analyzing a column by Margaret Wente published in the Globe and Mail (see the appendix at the end of the exam). Please respond to each of the following. For question 2 you should imagine that you are writing a letter to the editor of the newspaper that this article was published in.

1. Identify two rape myths that were discussed in class or in your readings. Highlight or underline the rape myths in the text. Use coloured highlighters or pens to differentiate the two myths. Please explain the false assumptions that the author is making. /5

Prior to discussing the rape myths that are used in this column, rape myths must first be explored in terms of how they entail. Rape myths are prejudicial and stereotyped beliefs about rape and synonymous situations surrounding sexual violence [1]. These beliefs are used as a tool to minimize the seriousness of sexual violence. They belittle the act and, in the process, influence self-blame of the victims. This, in turn, decreased the probability of these crimes being reported due to the increased level of victim blaming. …show more content…
The first of the two identified rape myths has to do with sexual violence and the existence of alcohol. The claim that Wente makes actually involves two rape myths that are interchangeable. These myths are the belief that if a woman is unconscious from high levels of alcohol consumption then it is acceptable to engage in sexual activity with her. This resembles the myth which states that if a man is drunk at the time of an assault then they cannot be accused of rape