“Rape culture”
1) How does your textbook define “rape culture”? How can you apply this definition to any one of these texts/videos/scenarios, including the Hannah Gadsby comedy special? You could also apply it to what you know about rape accusations against powerful/rich men over the last 5 years, in the midst of the #metoo movement (Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Bill Cosby, Matt Lauer, etc…). What can we do culturally to change rape culture?
2) About the Hannah Gadsby special: How can you relate her content and performance to what you have been thinking about or learning in this course? What stuck out to you as a particularly strong or surprising or emotional moment? What did you learn about gender and comedy? About gender and art history? About LGBTQ+ history and trauma?
3) What have you learned about consent in the past, if anything? At what age? How can we/should we introduce this concept to young people?
4) What is Jackson Katz’s main argument in his TedTalk? And what is your biggest take-away from it?
5) Anything else you’d like to add to this discussion? Anything you find particularly important, surprising, or confusing? Feel free to vent your anger and frustration. (I know it’s a tough topic to discuss!)
Sample Answer
1. Defining Rape Culture and Its Application
Rape culture is a societal environment in which sexual violence is normalized, excused, or minimized. It often involves victim-blaming, objectification of women, and the trivialization of sexual assault.
Applying to Hannah Gadsby’s Comedy Special:
Gadsby’s special, “Nanette,” provides a powerful critique of rape culture. She shares personal experiences of sexual assault and the subsequent trauma, highlighting how societal attitudes and norms can perpetuate victim-blaming and silence survivors. Her performance challenges the dominant narratives surrounding gender, sexuality, and trauma, offering a raw and honest perspective on the devastating impact of rape culture.