Positive arguments for ending rape culture without appealing to ethics

The Mackinnon and Dworkin pieces were pretty alienating to heterosexual men. By casting all heterosexual sex as a form of rape supported by the socially institutionalized power differential it creates a great burden and shame on those who perpetuate the system. While the pathos aids in the construction of more productive thoughts within radical theory it more distinctly alienates the social group of whom they demand change. The combative language fails to garner the soft power it will need to inspire change.

All said and done, it made me feel like shit.

So, as an ivory tower person with a background in history I always question what would lead a dominating hegemonic group to dismantle their power structure. Sometimes it is top down, like in several feudal societies where an enlightened despot recognizes the inhumane abuse of slaves and abolishes the class. More often it is bottom up, where the slaves would simply seize power and revolt. But in the pluralistic neoliberal society which veils the power in a constantly shifting hegemonic class, many people are unable to even see the issue. Furthermore, in the overly connected world people are quick to dismiss issues like rape culture as a crazy left wing ideal which does not truly exist. In the world that frequently denies the existence of the issue, I question what motivation the people who benefit from the system have to dismantling their power they do not even recognize.

Rape and sexual assault is hugely traumatizing and under reported. We probably all know someone who has been violated and the long lasting somatic issues do not just affect them, but it affects their family and friends. When a survivor cannot trust a partner, or their friends in social situations it affects their ability to travel, or even operate fully in social circles. When a survivor suffers from PTSD, it affects their ability to focus on their educations, careers, and responsibilities. This is not their fault, and the people who are able to handle the unwarranted stress and trauma on a daily basis to overcome these barriers installed by an unfair world have more strength than I ever will. But in terms of the hegemonic class who benefits from it we must realize that these victims are our friends, they are our family, and the people who we rely on and rely on us. Dismantling rape culture is not just an issue of ethics, but it directly benefits everyone. Without fear, more full and complete relationships can be developed between men and women amongst countless other benefits in the human capital of women in the world.

I do not like the bombastic tone of Dworkin, I agree that she should be angry, and obviously the assailants are the problem. But there are more constructive arguments to dismantling rape culture than the obvious ethical fact that it is wrong, and I would prefer having heard those than an alienating speech about men as the problem.