It is Not “Locker Room Talk”: Expect Our Leaders to Lead to Prevent Sexual Violence
The release of Access Hollywood recording last week has ignited conversations about sexual assault throughout the country. The video included the following words:
“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait.”
“And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.”
“Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.”
Since its release, many people are condemning these comments At last night’s Presidential Debate, those words were described as merely “locker room talk.” The banter heard on the bus exemplify what is rape culture – attitudes and beliefs that justify and support sexual violence. I am disturbed hearing someone cavalierly boast about behavior that is sexual assault.
Instead of perpetrating rape culture, I want our leaders in this country to work to challenge such behaviors. I want to hear how people who seek to be our leaders will challenge male entitlement, seek to support policies to prevent sexual violence, and serve as role models for respectful and healthy behaviors.
It is encouraging to hear some male athletes challenge such language as acceptable “locker room talk.” Now it is time for our politicians to take action against rape culture.
This blog represents the views of the author and are not the views of CALCASA or PreventConnect.
As others have said, I’ve been in lockers rooms thousands of times over the years. I’ve never participated in nor overheard such comments. The most charitable assessment I can make is these are comments made by one jerk to another — whatever the venue.