Sarina. V The issue here is that there has been a great amount of women who have been sexually assaulted in college, as well as some men, and the schools are not being as helpful as they could be. A school is generally considered a safe learning environment for students, as a woman if I were to stumble upon a sexual assailant I would feel terrified of returning back to school, meaning I would fall behind in my classes, this causes individual damage. An interactionist would focus on this issue on how individuals act in the society, meaning how the sexual assailants take advantage on innocent school girls and some boys, and how the universities are controlling this issue. Since the universities are not giving the support needed to the victims of the sexual assaults, they are reaching out to each other for comfort. I think that this is a very serious issue that universities should take more responsibility for in order to make their campuses safer for their students. I chose this topic because I am a going to transfer to a university next semester, and I would feel more comfortable if the universities had a website of some sort with the crimes that has happened on campus. I believe one solution would be to penalize the students that are committing these crimes, and publicizing their actions.
Justine G. Sexual assault is a problem all around the word. However, student activists are right to keep the pressure going on this social problem because sexual assault isn’t just happening on the streets, no much worse, its happening at schools. This kind of abuse is seeping its way into the educational system, which can affect both men and women if a situation like this were to happen to them. As many students from the articles stated, deans and people affiliated with the school are trying to keep this problem quiet instead of protecting their students: the real victims. A conflict theorist would say that these schools who are trying to protect their reputation. The school deans and other associates are above all focused on keeping their school’s reputation in place. Therefore, like the conflict perspective which focus is on the benefit of those in power, schools are trying to keep their power by not letting information leak worldwide. Or, think of alternative ways to ‘help’ the victims by asking them to take a break from school. Which only benefits the school, allowing the victim not to discuss the issue at hand. In my opinion, sexual assault on college campuses is a serious issue that needs more recognition. I believe that the student activists are fighting for a good cause, and the government should pay more attention to this issue because it affects the generations and what each generation will bring to the world. To address this problem I believe that each school should be mandated to provide this information on their school’s website under a tab named ‘student protection’ along with data on how many assaults happen each year. This will allow students and possible students to view the possibilities of sexual assaults at each school. Another student accessibility should be security escort to any student who requests it. Sexual assault seemed like an interesting topic for me to choose because it involved a situation that can easily affect me. Therefore, I presumed I could get information on sexual assault for schools along with doing an assignment.
Tristen Cortes Sexual assault and abuse has been an issue of the Untied States for many years, but now this issue is becoming more of a epidemic, and infiltrating its way into our nations schools and universities. It is affecting both men and women alike, and of all ages. But these victims have so far not been able to receive the right kind of help; their schools have not made them feel safe nor have their words been heard. Recently, however, many students have found new ways to battle these sexual assaults, such as Chandini Jha, a student who actively raises awareness for students and helps victims of rape cope with their situations. They did so by writing first hand accounts and posting them online, a small spark for enormous reform. Soon, students were able to reach out and provide one another with help and care. The real accomplishment, though, is the fact that these students were able to create change among their universities. Many different universities were now under scrutiny in regards to how they handled their sexual assault situations, and many reformed the way they took action. One possible theory of an functionalist might be that in order for society to function as a whole, it needs both the raper and the victim. Each plays a role as if it were an organ in the human body. Even though one commits unspeakable acts, there has to be those to carry them out. or else society does not function. One could argue that without those to execute these acts, change and reform would not be possible. they could argue that these acts are a "necessary evil." There are also possible solutions to this epidemic, as we've already seen. One is using the media to help spread word of the issue, the more people aware, the more that can be done. Other methods of prevention include more security, easier contact with campus p.d., and perhaps better lighting in dark areas or at night. It is much harder to commit a crime when you are in the spotlight. Also, group and private therapy sessions are a great way to help victims cope and accept what has happened to them.
The main issue or problem is that a lot of students were sexually assaulted in college and/or universities without being heard. A lot of students were mistreated and Universities did nothing to help these students which to me is a big problem schools must take care of their students by preventing this type of problem or at least if they can not prevent this type of problem they should help these students to ease their pain by making sure that these criminals pay for what they did; instead they cover up these crimes to protect their reputation. They don't understand that by protecting their reputation they hurt innocent individuals. In my opinion, functionalist theory can be applied to this. Society must unite together to solve this problem. United together humans can achieve their goals. They can help each other by punishing these criminals. I think schools must be safer place for students to get educations. In schools students must think only about education their minds should be free of these type of things so they can concentrate on their schools. Sexually assaulted students drop out of schools then we society blame them for not getting education. How can these poor students get education in this type of environment and at this difficult mental stage. I choose this type because as a woman I think that this issue is a very important issue and must be solved accordingly. Sexual abuse is not an easy thing to handle. So in order to deal with this properly universities must listen to victims and work with them to bring these criminals to justice.
1.This article from NPR discusses how people are coming together from different universities to put a spotlight on protesting Title IX and the problem of sexual assault on campuses. Surely this is an old topic, but it still is a reoccurring issue that happens until today and towards different individuals not minding their gender. Campuses do not seem to put forward great attention towards this big issue. There are different people mentioned in this article that are taking a stand and helping to bring sexual assault issues under the spotlight. Taking in recognition that this is a social problem is by the steps Herbert Blumer created. It first was a social recognition meaning that the victim got raped afterwards word got spread publicly which leads to mobilization of action and now what we hope for and what the article is hoping for is to make a development and implementation of an official plan. From that I mean for change to occur and get groups to advocate.
2.I would look through this social problem from a functionalist perspective. As known, functionalist perspective sees society as interrelated parts and how to maintain stability. Well, this issue has created a dysfunction in the social system especially in the education institution. With that we have to start making our “organisms” work together again. By that I mean, we have students around their campuses protesting which lead campus officials to take in their students issue and with that continuation of taking a stand we slowly get the government institution into recognizing it as a nation. The protesters staged their protest in front of the U.S. Department of Education and that led meetings in the White House officials and members of the Congress. We all need to come together and work as a whole because if for example; White House officials do not recognize and help figure out ways to spread the education of Title IX then the pressure seems to be on the students and campus officials and the problem might still be taken lightly.
3.I think what these people are doing is a great foot forward to get better recognition for sexual assault and better understanding of Title IX. It is unfortunate that rape is still a common crime that happens on campus and even off campus. The reason why I chose this topic is because a friend of mine was exposed as being a rapist on his campus, but that was false information which created a court case against him and with that got him being kicked out of school and losing his scholarship. It was good news to find out he was not a rapist, but it got me to question of how many people really take a stand to take this issue to courts and be dealt with through government officials. One solution I would possibly think of is to create a program where people who have been raped can come forward like a safe-zone and we have either a government official and/or former rapists, educated people who care about this issue to help find ways for the person who got raped to cope, heal, and deal with their situation with family, friends, and even in the courthouse.
Gayane I. Reports of sexual assault on college campuses is ignored, forgotten, and marginalized in order to avoid bustle and bad media. Marginalization of sexual assault victims on college campuses have not only perpetrated abuse, rape, and degradation of women but it has also created an environment of isolation and anomie for those have been affected by it. School is a place where a student should feel supported and safe, instead people who are sexually assaulted are left bereft of support by their own school.
A functionalist would find how this social problem, as a whole, functions within our society. A functionalist would argue that the colleges allow themselves to function normally by not reporting these events. Each report of sexual assault would not only decrease the university’s prestige but also cause havoc which would then get the way of education. Ignoring this important social problem allows the college to function and provide what is needed, and education.
I personally commented on this specific topic because I feel that sexaul assualt especially on college campuses is swept under the rug and ignored. We need to realize that marginalizing the lives and traumas of people doesn’t make them go away. Instead of dealing with the problems we, in order to avoid any trouble, avoid them. What people don’t realize is that this issue can snowball into larger social problems for these people. One solution to this problem is better educating the masses about sexual assault and its many effects. If people are aware of these problems, we will better avoid it or deal with it when the time comes.
Kelly A In response to Sarina V. I would have to agree with the many points she makes. One point that she makes very clear is that of school being known as a safe learning environment. With situations occurring such as sexual assault, how are students supposed to maintain focus on their studies? Instead they will be focused on not being a victim of such a crime. Watching their every move and always keeping a close eye on their surroundings. This can become tiresome, leaving students with no choice but to rest every time they feel safe enough, ignoring the fact that they have to study, or write a paper for a class. The reason I chose this peer response is because she gave an insight to the way she truly feels about the situation which can be true about many others, including myself. This topic is very serious as it not only affects the victim, but also the students, staff, the actual college town, and the way universities are viewed. There has to be a better solution to handling these situations then the way they are currently being handled. There needs to be more emphasis on the severity of sexual assault and there must be harsher consequences. As Sarina stated this can be analyzed in the scope of the interactionist by examining the interactions amongst the attacker and the victim, resulting in understanding the reason behind their actions. When looking at sexual assault through the scope of the functionalist, they may claim that this is necessary. When an assailant attacks he has created a victim. That victim will then need psychological and health assistance. They may receive counseling from a psychologist and will need an exam from a doctor. Therefore this leads to these two people having a job. It is situations as such that create jobs for these individuals. If they did not occur, doctors, nurses, psychologist, and other counselors would be left without a job. Now I am not saying that this view is correct I am simply giving an insight to a functionalist perspective. Every situation and person have a function and eventually all intertwine. Sarina made the point of publicizing the assailaints actions as part of the solution. However if we do makethings public how will the assailant feel for his or herself? In social work courses we discuss the severity of labeling a person and how that can easily affect them as a person. If we publicize this person as a “RAPIST” are we not contributing to the oppressing forces that limit an individual? My proposed solution is to assist the assailant. In most cases there is a background that involves sexual assault in the assailants life that he or she has never been able to discuss. This can lead to frustration, not understanding that it is wrong, or is so hurt that they want others to hurt just as much. Therefore I believe counseling services should be offered. I would also say that expulsion can be another repercussion of their actions, but what if they receive counseling and are genuine in their turn around? Therefore a leave of absence should be allowed for a semester for the assailant while they receive services. In order to return they should undergo some sort of test or steps that show that they truly have changed. As for the victim there should be free counseling services, and they should be allowed to have their voices heard. They should feel safe by allocating them to a different dorm, they should remove the student from their classes if they have any, and they should be protected. Also if a victim wants to press personal charges they should be allowed to, and the university should honor and respect that as well.
Amber G. In response to Garine I., I chose this peer response in particular because she emphasized the marginalization of sexual assault victims. Unfortunately, sexual assault on campus grounds does happen and as Garine stated, it's swept under the rug by officials in order to protect the reputation of the school. I agree with the statements she’s made about school having the responsibility of keeping their students safe, instead of providing ill advice and looking out for the reputation of the school. This is a social problem because as a human being, everyone should have the right to feel safe. Ever since pre-school, parents absent mindedly trusted school officials to keep their children safe throughout the day. When we reached college, we expected the same treatment, but instead school officials want to keep it under wraps in order to preserve the well-being of their school. A conflict theorist would say that school officials are looking at things in a macro perspective because they don’t want to create media attention, which will deter prospective students from wanting to attend their school. Conflict theorists conclude that society will go on the way it’s supposed to be when those in power are benefitting, while subordinates suffer on their behalf. In other words, school officials must do what’s possible to keep things quiet because it will create much controversy and media attention. I completely agree with Garine’s proposed solution to sexual assault on campus. It’s completely realistic because educating others about committing sexual assault and the effects that it has on victims is an important step in creating open communication among the students and the faculty. Another proposed solution is to educate others in high school health classes. Because it’s such a touchy subject, it’s often a subject that’s avoided. Educating teens can help reduce the amount of rapists and help those avoid from being victims.
1. In response to Lida G. Lida states that the major problem is that schools are not being fair to the victims of sexual assault. I agree with that. The article mentions that many students who have been the victims of sexual assault have not gotten fair treatment from the schools. What stood out to me is that Lida stated that schools cover up the act of sexual assault to protect their reputation. I don’t know if that is necessarily true but it its a very interesting thing to think about, and could probably be very true. Some schools do not take good measures to handle sexual assault cases, which leaves the students to either drop out or seek help elsewhere. One girl stated that she had to leave school until her rapist graduated. I don’t think that is fair because the school is putting the criminal before the victim, without punishing the criminal. I chose to comment on this peer’s entry because many of the things she stated stood out to me. I like that she talked about how schools should be a safe place for students to get education, without having to worry about criminals.
2. A conflict theorist would say that schools try to keep media attention away from their sexual assault cases because it would look very bad on the school. They would say that is the reason that they don’t punish the criminals in the furthest extent, and that is why they allow the criminal to go about like nothing ever happened. The reason for that is so that the ones on top can benefit while the victims suffer and try to fix the problem by themselves. It keeps the school from looking bad but it hurts the victim by not taking enough measures to fix their problem.
I think her proposed solution is very possible and realistic. Sexual assault in schools is a big problem but if schools punish sexual predators, it will be a lot more easy to deal with. I think a good solution would be to always put the victim first. If that is done, then everything else will fall into place and work together to create a better environment for students to go to school in. For example, if someone has committed a crime, they should not be allowed to walk around campus while the victim is forced to stay home. The victim should have her freedom to continue on with her school without worrying about the criminal who harmed her. Schools should also take their time to slowly help and assist the victim by counseling and anything else they might need. Also, all schools should have a mandatory meeting regarding sexual assault involving all new coming students.
Monica C. In response to Justine G. 1. I would agree with his point of view on this social problem because he makes a great point on how sexual assault is definitely affecting our educational system. Student activists should not give up until there is actually something done to help all the victims of such a tragedy. I chose to comment on Justin’s comment because he definitely makes it clear that colleges/universities only care about their reputation and not what the victim has gone through. I think this topic should be taken a lot more seriously because the aftermath that the victim goes through is the worst. The one thing a victim wants is support and if the situation is just dropped and ignored as soon as it is heard of then that may just lead to more consequences for the victim, in which they may have trouble dealing with it on their own.
2. A functionalist theorist would say that society plays a great part in this problem. The schools avoid telling the public about their crimes and sexual assaults happening on campus because they need to keep a clean record so that more students decide to enroll into their schools. One of their major dysfunctions is that victims aren’t cared for and are just told to carry on with their lives. The reason they are told this is because once they start caring for it then it makes the school and administration seem awful and non-worthy of a great education. A function would be that by society and their school campuses ignoring the victims’ problems they are able to gather other students and protest, which may lead to having campus officials in fact take a stand on the issue and counseling their victims.
3. I think the solution proposed was a great idea. Having a website called “student protection” as well as having security escort students upon request are both possible and realistic solutions. Another solution to this social problem can be making a program where victims are able to stop by and let go of everything they have kept a secret because of the fear of being judged or seen as a joke. This program would be a safe zone for the victims and anyone else who would like to be more informed about sexual assault or any other crimes.
10 comments:
Sarina. V
The issue here is that there has been a great amount of women who have been sexually assaulted in college, as well as some men, and the schools are not being as helpful as they could be. A school is generally considered a safe learning environment for students, as a woman if I were to stumble upon a sexual assailant I would feel terrified of returning back to school, meaning I would fall behind in my classes, this causes individual damage. An interactionist would focus on this issue on how individuals act in the society, meaning how the sexual assailants take advantage on innocent school girls and some boys, and how the universities are controlling this issue. Since the universities are not giving the support needed to the victims of the sexual assaults, they are reaching out to each other for comfort. I think that this is a very serious issue that universities should take more responsibility for in order to make their campuses safer for their students. I chose this topic because I am a going to transfer to a university next semester, and I would feel more comfortable if the universities had a website of some sort with the crimes that has happened on campus. I believe one solution would be to penalize the students that are committing these crimes, and publicizing their actions.
Justine G.
Sexual assault is a problem all around the word. However, student activists are right to keep the pressure going on this social problem because sexual assault isn’t just happening on the streets, no much worse, its happening at schools. This kind of abuse is seeping its way into the educational system, which can affect both men and women if a situation like this were to happen to them. As many students from the articles stated, deans and people affiliated with the school are trying to keep this problem quiet instead of protecting their students: the real victims.
A conflict theorist would say that these schools who are trying to protect their reputation. The school deans and other associates are above all focused on keeping their school’s reputation in place. Therefore, like the conflict perspective which focus is on the benefit of those in power, schools are trying to keep their power by not letting information leak worldwide. Or, think of alternative ways to ‘help’ the victims by asking them to take a break from school. Which only benefits the school, allowing the victim not to discuss the issue at hand.
In my opinion, sexual assault on college campuses is a serious issue that needs more recognition. I believe that the student activists are fighting for a good cause, and the government should pay more attention to this issue because it affects the generations and what each generation will bring to the world. To address this problem I believe that each school should be mandated to provide this information on their school’s website under a tab named ‘student protection’ along with data on how many assaults happen each year. This will allow students and possible students to view the possibilities of sexual assaults at each school. Another student accessibility should be security escort to any student who requests it. Sexual assault seemed like an interesting topic for me to choose because it involved a situation that can easily affect me. Therefore, I presumed I could get information on sexual assault for schools along with doing an assignment.
Tristen Cortes
Sexual assault and abuse has been an issue of the Untied States for many years, but now this issue is becoming more of a epidemic, and infiltrating its way into our nations schools and universities. It is affecting both men and women alike, and of all ages. But these victims have so far not been able to receive the right kind of help; their schools have not made them feel safe nor have their words been heard. Recently, however, many students have found new ways to battle these sexual assaults, such as Chandini Jha, a student who actively raises awareness for students and helps victims of rape cope with their situations. They did so by writing first hand accounts and posting them online, a small spark for enormous reform. Soon, students were able to reach out and provide one another with help and care. The real accomplishment, though, is the fact that these students were able to create change among their universities. Many different universities were now under scrutiny in regards to how they handled their sexual assault situations, and many reformed the way they took action.
One possible theory of an functionalist might be that in order for society to function as a whole, it needs both the raper and the victim. Each plays a role as if it were an organ in the human body. Even though one commits unspeakable acts, there has to be those to carry them out. or else society does not function. One could argue that without those to execute these acts, change and reform would not be possible. they could argue that these acts are a "necessary evil."
There are also possible solutions to this epidemic, as we've already seen. One is using the media to help spread word of the issue, the more people aware, the more that can be done. Other methods of prevention include more security, easier contact with campus p.d., and perhaps better lighting in dark areas or at night. It is much harder to commit a crime when you are in the spotlight. Also, group and private therapy sessions are a great way to help victims cope and accept what has happened to them.
Lida G.
The main issue or problem is that a lot of students were sexually assaulted in college and/or universities without being heard. A lot of students were mistreated and Universities did nothing to help these students which to me is a big problem schools must take care of their students by preventing this type of problem or at least if they can not prevent this type of problem they should help these students to ease their pain by making sure that these criminals pay for what they did; instead they cover up these crimes to protect their reputation. They don't understand that by protecting their reputation they hurt innocent individuals. In my opinion, functionalist theory can be applied to this. Society must unite together to solve this problem. United together humans can achieve their goals. They can help each other by punishing these criminals. I think schools must be safer place for students to get educations. In schools students must think only about education their minds should be free of these type of things so they can concentrate on their schools. Sexually assaulted students drop out of schools then we society blame them for not getting education. How can these poor students get education in this type of environment and at this difficult mental stage. I choose this type because as a woman I think that this issue is a very important issue and must be solved accordingly. Sexual abuse is not an easy thing to handle. So in order to deal with this properly universities must listen to victims and work with them to bring these criminals to justice.
Vaneh H.
1.This article from NPR discusses how people are coming together from different universities to put a spotlight on protesting Title IX and the problem of sexual assault on campuses. Surely this is an old topic, but it still is a reoccurring issue that happens until today and towards different individuals not minding their gender. Campuses do not seem to put forward great attention towards this big issue. There are different people mentioned in this article that are taking a stand and helping to bring sexual assault issues under the spotlight. Taking in recognition that this is a social problem is by the steps Herbert Blumer created. It first was a social recognition meaning that the victim got raped afterwards word got spread publicly which leads to mobilization of action and now what we hope for and what the article is hoping for is to make a development and implementation of an official plan. From that I mean for change to occur and get groups to advocate.
2.I would look through this social problem from a functionalist perspective. As known, functionalist perspective sees society as interrelated parts and how to maintain stability. Well, this issue has created a dysfunction in the social system especially in the education institution. With that we have to start making our “organisms” work together again. By that I mean, we have students around their campuses protesting which lead campus officials to take in their students issue and with that continuation of taking a stand we slowly get the government institution into recognizing it as a nation. The protesters staged their protest in front of the U.S. Department of Education and that led meetings in the White House officials and members of the Congress. We all need to come together and work as a whole because if for example; White House officials do not recognize and help figure out ways to spread the education of Title IX then the pressure seems to be on the students and campus officials and the problem might still be taken lightly.
3.I think what these people are doing is a great foot forward to get better recognition for sexual assault and better understanding of Title IX. It is unfortunate that rape is still a common crime that happens on campus and even off campus. The reason why I chose this topic is because a friend of mine was exposed as being a rapist on his campus, but that was false information which created a court case against him and with that got him being kicked out of school and losing his scholarship. It was good news to find out he was not a rapist, but it got me to question of how many people really take a stand to take this issue to courts and be dealt with through government officials. One solution I would possibly think of is to create a program where people who have been raped can come forward like a safe-zone and we have either a government official and/or former rapists, educated people who care about this issue to help find ways for the person who got raped to cope, heal, and deal with their situation with family, friends, and even in the courthouse.
Gayane I.
Reports of sexual assault on college campuses is ignored, forgotten, and marginalized in order to avoid bustle and bad media. Marginalization of sexual assault victims on college campuses have not only perpetrated abuse, rape, and degradation of women but it has also created an environment of isolation and anomie for those have been affected by it. School is a place where a student should feel supported and safe, instead people who are sexually assaulted are left bereft of support by their own school.
A functionalist would find how this social problem, as a whole, functions within our society. A functionalist would argue that the colleges allow themselves to function normally by not reporting these events. Each report of sexual assault would not only decrease the university’s prestige but also cause havoc which would then get the way of education. Ignoring this important social problem allows the college to function and provide what is needed, and education.
I personally commented on this specific topic because I feel that sexaul assualt especially on college campuses is swept under the rug and ignored. We need to realize that marginalizing the lives and traumas of people doesn’t make them go away. Instead of dealing with the problems we, in order to avoid any trouble, avoid them. What people don’t realize is that this issue can snowball into larger social problems for these people. One solution to this problem is better educating the masses about sexual assault and its many effects. If people are aware of these problems, we will better avoid it or deal with it when the time comes.
Kelly A
In response to Sarina V. I would have to agree with the many points she makes. One point that she makes very clear is that of school being known as a safe learning environment. With situations occurring such as sexual assault, how are students supposed to maintain focus on their studies? Instead they will be focused on not being a victim of such a crime. Watching their every move and always keeping a close eye on their surroundings. This can become tiresome, leaving students with no choice but to rest every time they feel safe enough, ignoring the fact that they have to study, or write a paper for a class. The reason I chose this peer response is because she gave an insight to the way she truly feels about the situation which can be true about many others, including myself. This topic is very serious as it not only affects the victim, but also the students, staff, the actual college town, and the way universities are viewed. There has to be a better solution to handling these situations then the way they are currently being handled. There needs to be more emphasis on the severity of sexual assault and there must be harsher consequences.
As Sarina stated this can be analyzed in the scope of the interactionist by examining the interactions amongst the attacker and the victim, resulting in understanding the reason behind their actions. When looking at sexual assault through the scope of the functionalist, they may claim that this is necessary. When an assailant attacks he has created a victim. That victim will then need psychological and health assistance. They may receive counseling from a psychologist and will need an exam from a doctor. Therefore this leads to these two people having a job. It is situations as such that create jobs for these individuals. If they did not occur, doctors, nurses, psychologist, and other counselors would be left without a job. Now I am not saying that this view is correct I am simply giving an insight to a functionalist perspective. Every situation and person have a function and eventually all intertwine.
Sarina made the point of publicizing the assailaints actions as part of the solution. However if we do makethings public how will the assailant feel for his or herself? In social work courses we discuss the severity of labeling a person and how that can easily affect them as a person. If we publicize this person as a “RAPIST” are we not contributing to the oppressing forces that limit an individual? My proposed solution is to assist the assailant. In most cases there is a background that involves sexual assault in the assailants life that he or she has never been able to discuss. This can lead to frustration, not understanding that it is wrong, or is so hurt that they want others to hurt just as much. Therefore I believe counseling services should be offered. I would also say that expulsion can be another repercussion of their actions, but what if they receive counseling and are genuine in their turn around? Therefore a leave of absence should be allowed for a semester for the assailant while they receive services. In order to return they should undergo some sort of test or steps that show that they truly have changed. As for the victim there should be free counseling services, and they should be allowed to have their voices heard. They should feel safe by allocating them to a different dorm, they should remove the student from their classes if they have any, and they should be protected. Also if a victim wants to press personal charges they should be allowed to, and the university should honor and respect that as well.
Amber G.
In response to Garine I., I chose this peer response in particular because she emphasized the marginalization of sexual assault victims. Unfortunately, sexual assault on campus grounds does happen and as Garine stated, it's swept under the rug by officials in order to protect the reputation of the school. I agree with the statements she’s made about school having the responsibility of keeping their students safe, instead of providing ill advice and looking out for the reputation of the school. This is a social problem because as a human being, everyone should have the right to feel safe. Ever since pre-school, parents absent mindedly trusted school officials to keep their children safe throughout the day. When we reached college, we expected the same treatment, but instead school officials want to keep it under wraps in order to preserve the well-being of their school.
A conflict theorist would say that school officials are looking at things in a macro perspective because they don’t want to create media attention, which will deter prospective students from wanting to attend their school. Conflict theorists conclude that society will go on the way it’s supposed to be when those in power are benefitting, while subordinates suffer on their behalf. In other words, school officials must do what’s possible to keep things quiet because it will create much controversy and media attention.
I completely agree with Garine’s proposed solution to sexual assault on campus. It’s completely realistic because educating others about committing sexual assault and the effects that it has on victims is an important step in creating open communication among the students and the faculty. Another proposed solution is to educate others in high school health classes. Because it’s such a touchy subject, it’s often a subject that’s avoided. Educating teens can help reduce the amount of rapists and help those avoid from being victims.
Tawny B.
1. In response to Lida G. Lida states that the major problem is that schools are not being fair to the victims of sexual assault. I agree with that. The article mentions that many students who have been the victims of sexual assault have not gotten fair treatment from the schools. What stood out to me is that Lida stated that schools cover up the act of sexual assault to protect their reputation. I don’t know if that is necessarily true but it its a very interesting thing to think about, and could probably be very true. Some schools do not take good measures to handle sexual assault cases, which leaves the students to either drop out or seek help elsewhere. One girl stated that she had to leave school until her rapist graduated. I don’t think that is fair because the school is putting the criminal before the victim, without punishing the criminal. I chose to comment on this peer’s entry because many of the things she stated stood out to me. I like that she talked about how schools should be a safe place for students to get education, without having to worry about criminals.
2. A conflict theorist would say that schools try to keep media attention away from their sexual assault cases because it would look very bad on the school. They would say that is the reason that they don’t punish the criminals in the furthest extent, and that is why they allow the criminal to go about like nothing ever happened. The reason for that is so that the ones on top can benefit while the victims suffer and try to fix the problem by themselves. It keeps the school from looking bad but it hurts the victim by not taking enough measures to fix their problem.
I think her proposed solution is very possible and realistic. Sexual assault in schools is a big problem but if schools punish sexual predators, it will be a lot more easy to deal with. I think a good solution would be to always put the victim first. If that is done, then everything else will fall into place and work together to create a better environment for students to go to school in. For example, if someone has committed a crime, they should not be allowed to walk around campus while the victim is forced to stay home. The victim should have her freedom to continue on with her school without worrying about the criminal who harmed her. Schools should also take their time to slowly help and assist the victim by counseling and anything else they might need. Also, all schools should have a mandatory meeting regarding sexual assault involving all new coming students.
Monica C.
In response to Justine G.
1. I would agree with his point of view on this social problem because he makes a great point on how sexual assault is definitely affecting our educational system. Student activists should not give up until there is actually something done to help all the victims of such a tragedy. I chose to comment on Justin’s comment because he definitely makes it clear that colleges/universities only care about their reputation and not what the victim has gone through. I think this topic should be taken a lot more seriously because the aftermath that the victim goes through is the worst. The one thing a victim wants is support and if the situation is just dropped and ignored as soon as it is heard of then that may just lead to more consequences for the victim, in which they may have trouble dealing with it on their own.
2. A functionalist theorist would say that society plays a great part in this problem. The schools avoid telling the public about their crimes and sexual assaults happening on campus because they need to keep a clean record so that more students decide to enroll into their schools. One of their major dysfunctions is that victims aren’t cared for and are just told to carry on with their lives. The reason they are told this is because once they start caring for it then it makes the school and administration seem awful and non-worthy of a great education. A function would be that by society and their school campuses ignoring the victims’ problems they are able to gather other students and protest, which may lead to having campus officials in fact take a stand on the issue and counseling their victims.
3. I think the solution proposed was a great idea. Having a website called “student protection” as well as having security escort students upon request are both possible and realistic solutions. Another solution to this social problem can be making a program where victims are able to stop by and let go of everything they have kept a secret because of the fear of being judged or seen as a joke. This program would be a safe zone for the victims and anyone else who would like to be more informed about sexual assault or any other crimes.
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