(August 1, 2014 at 11:23 am)whateverist Wrote: Up to that point I agree with you, but aren't you really saying that the victim is way over reacting? Because if you are, then you are saying more than that it is natural. You're saying that makes it -if not okay- then at least not so bad. It seems you want to raise empathy for the rapist and diminish it for the victim. Here I disagree.
No, because our response to sexual loose cannons is also instinctual, and perhaps equally strong, and includes empathy. Just because a behavior is natural doesn't mean we shouldn't mightily punish someone who engages in it.
My point about the women's response is that the trauma is learned-- it's an infliction as much of society's views on womanhood (must not be "corrupted" or made "impure"). The physical pain and suffering, and the risk of pregnancy and disease, make the crime horrible enough. But the absolute psyche-shattering finality, that "can never go back to the way it was before" that can lead to humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and maybe suicide, is a product of the cultural values imposed on her.
