tron@fluke.UUCP (Peter Barbee) (07/19/85)
In the midst of a good discussion last night a friend, whose opinions I respect, added a new twist to the "provocative clothing incites rape" debate we've been belabored with here on net.women. I thought you all might be interested in what she had to say. Essentially the thought is; since many rapists are looking to dominate women (the violent act of raping one woman could symbolize power over many) raping a woman who is confident (and brazen) enough to wear provocative clothing is a greater statement of power than raping a woman more modestly dressed. Perhaps the provocative clothing could further anger the enraged (and deranged) male, "So she thinks she can dress like that, well I'll show her!". Of course this does not speak to the issue of non-provocative clothed women being raped but no single explanation could encompass the spectrum of abnormal minds in our world. I am definitely a very amateur psychologist, I pass this on as a possibility and as further food for thought. I also think that no matter what the relationship between provocative clothing and rape is it should not effect how any particular woman wants to dress. To be a slave to some psycho's ahborent actions is not a fair price ot pay in our world. Take Care, Peter B