By Julie RafatpanahSPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
All of over campus last Wednesday, television screens counted down to Hofstra’s unveiling of its own version of the “It’s On Us” initiative created by The White House, which aims to end sexual assault. Although it has been applauded for “getting the conversation started,” Hofstra’s version of the event did not adequately discuss the issue of sexual assault and rape on college campuses.
When advertising the unveiling, Hofstra chose to be coyly quiet on what the event would entail in an effort to create interest. However, this was a double-edged sword; while it was able to draw a large crowd, the fact that Hofstra refused to even state what It’s On Us was about gave the impression that once again, a university did not want to even say the words “sexual assault” and “rape.” In fact, the It’s On Us video only said “sexual assault” twice and avoided the word rape altogether. Some may believe that the number of times those terms were used is said is irrelevant, but if we’re not able to even say those words, then a productive and effective conversation about it is impossible.
It’s On Us T-shirts and hoodies were given out in an effort to raise “awareness” of sexual assault on campus. According to The White House, one in five college women have been sexually assaulted, of which only 12 percent is reported. For one fifth of female college students, sexual assault is a reality that they’re painfully aware of, T-shirt or not. If a student hasn’t experienced sexual assault, the chance that they know another student that has is very likely. The fact that Hofstra spent university money to purchase shirts and hoodies in an effort to “curb sexual assault” and “raise awareness” is grossly inappropriate – sexual assault isn’t about an “empowering” slogan on a shirt.
Although It’s On Us is meant to be a community movement, it felt much more like a public relations event put on by the Hofstra administration. The reason the It’s On Us campaign is appealing is the same reason that it is ineffective; it doesn’t directly deal with the issue of sexual assault.
Shockingly, the freeze and video in the student center were essentially the entire event. The fact that there were no speakers brought in to discuss sexual assault, or even ways that we can adopt the “It’s On Us” mantra is nothing short of ridiculous.
The options for speaking topics are endless: what consent actually means, how to report sexual assault, ending victim blaming and the culture of shame, how a bystander can effectively intervene. The list goes on and on. It is as if we should be glad that the Hofstra community is pro-consent and anti-sexual assault, but these things are standard and do not deserve any type of pat on the back or celebration.
We do not need T-shirts. We do not need photos of our support for Facebook. We do not need slick marketing. The Hofstra It’s On Us video ironically states, “it’s on us to have the difficult conversations.” Apparently, according to Hofstra, handing out piles of shirts and posing with “It’s On Us” signs is as difficult of a conversation as we are able to have.
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