Date Rape :Exposing Dangerous Myths

by John J. Macionis

Building Vocabulary

For each question, use your dictionary and context clues to that most nearly defines the underlined word or phrase as it:

1. The word pondered most nearly means a. perused. b. reserved. c. wondered. d. plotted.

2. The word animated most nearly means a. meaningless. b. animalistic. c. dull. d. lively.

3. The word undermines most nearly means a. weakens. b. reinforces. c. precludes. d. determines.

4 The word debunking most nearly means a. discrediting. b. hiding. c. proving. d. debasing.

5. The word prevalence most nearly means a. enjoyment. b. widespread existence. c. condemnation. d. sale.
Understanding the Essay 1. Which statement most nearly expresses the main idea of the essay? a. Date rape is a common occurrence on college campuses. b. False ideas about rape can encourage sexual crime against women.

1. Which statement most nearly expresses the main idea of the essay? a. Date rape is a common occurrence on college campuses. b. False ideas about rape can encourage sexual crime against women.

MACIONIS • Date Rape: Exposing Dangerous Myths 569 c. To prevent rape, women should’ just say no.” d. Increasing penalties for rape and decreasing campus alcohol use are the solutions to the problem of date rape.

2. Which method of introduction does the author use? a. anecdote b. broad-to-narrow c. quotation d. contrast

3. The author implies that Sandra Abbott did not run or physically resist the man who raped her because a. she was afraid her attacker would kill her if she resisted. b. she felt inviting him in was the same thing as inviting him to have sex. r. she was afraid of looking foolish in front of her colleagues.

4. According to the author, which of the following is not a myth about rape? a. Most rapes do not result in the rapist being sent to jail. b. Victims are often guilty of behavior that implies an invitation to sex. c. Most rape victims do not know their attackers. d. If no weapon is used, then what some call rape is simply sex.

5. Which pattern(s) of development does the author use most predominantly? a. comparison-contrast b. definition and classification c. cause-effect d. narration and description

6. Which is not mentioned as a reason date rape is prevalent on college campuses? a. Alcohol use is relatively common. b. Students are naive and too trusting. c. Morals are more lax than in the past. d. Some students have much to learn about relationships.

7. With which statement would the author most likely agree? a. Blaming women for rape began with the rise of feminism when women were no longer seen as under the protection of husbands and fathers. b. All instances of rape involve alcohol use. c. When a woman says “no,” sometimes she means “yes” or “maybe.” d. Not much progress has been made in the way people think about rape.

Looking at Language

8. Look at the language that Macionis uses to describe date rape, rapists, and rape victims. What specific word choices emphasize the seriousness of this crime?

9. Reread Sandra Abbott’s statement in paragraph 3. The answer to her ques-tion,”Did he rape me?” ultimately requires Abbott to define the word rape. How do you define rape? Based on your definition, how would Abbott’s question be answered?

10. The author writes, “‘Having sex’ implies intimacy, caring, communication, and, most important of alt, consent.” In your opinion, which of the four listed items is implied most strongly by the words having sex? Why? Which is implied least strongly? Why?
Discussing the Essay Prepare to discuss the following questions in class by thinking about them or writing about them in your Journal.

1. According to the author, how did the ancient Babylonians define rape? How did this definition affect women? What does your answer suggest about the power of language? About the power of those who define it?

10. The author writes, “‘Having sex’ implies intimacy, caring, communication, and, most important of all, consent” In your opinion, which of the four listed items is implied most strongly by the words having sex? Why? Which is implied least strongly? Why?

Discussing the Essay Prepare to discuss the following questions in class by thinking about them or writing about them in your journal.

I. According to the author, how did the ancient Babylonians define rape? How did this definition affect women? What does your answer suggest about the power of language? About the power of those who define it?

2. Is date rape a problem on your campus? What can be done to eliminate it on your campus or at other colleges?