"I Was Raped" T-Shirt

Published on April 7, 2008 By Tova7 In Current Events

Feminist writer Jennifer Baumgardener has created a T-shirt that reads "I was raped" as part of multimedia rape awareness project. Baumgardener aims to force the taboo issue of rape into everyday conversation. Not surprisingly, the T-shirt is causing a fair amount controversy.--Buzzfeed.com

This t-shirt was created by the same woman who made one which said "I had an abortion."

She says it to create awareness...

What do you think?

Would you wear it? Think its a good idea for a wife, daughter, or girlfriend to wear?

Comments (Page 2)

Texas Wahine

on Apr 07, 2008

I don't think rape is something that should be made light of. The t-shirt idea, while based on good intentions, sort of does that. You can see that from some of the comments on this thread.

MasonM

on Apr 07, 2008

I don't think rape is something that should be made light of.

Everyone knows what rape is and that it's serious. It's the idea of this tee shirt that is being made light of. Perspective is important. Besides, I thought my original comment was quite good and in no way makes light of rape itself.

When it comes to humor no topic is taboo.

Texas Wahine

on Apr 07, 2008

It's the idea of this tee shirt that is being made light of.

That was my point. I guess I didn't make that clear.

I don't think this shirt is going to prompt awareness or constructive discussion.

MasonM

on Apr 07, 2008

It's the idea of this tee shirt that is being made light of.That was my point. I guess I didn't make that clear.I don't think this shirt is going to prompt awareness or constructive discussion.

Ah ok, now I getcha. No you weren't quite clear, or maybe I'm just more dense than usual today

dynamaso

on Apr 07, 2008

While I too agree with the intentions, I don't think this is the best way to raise awareness. But having said that, I am a fan of tshirt messages so if it gets a few people talking about the subject who previously wouldn't have, she has achieved her objective.

Tova7

on Apr 07, 2008

Right now I'm wearing one that reads "Quit yer bitchin, trucking ain't for sissies"

hahahaha.

T-shirts should make people smile imo.

Tova7

on Apr 07, 2008

don't think this shirt is going to prompt awareness or constructive discussion.

I don't either. Besides, what kind of discussion do women who wear these shirts want to have with strangers?

Call me crazy, but if I was raped, I don't think its something I'd put on a bumper sticker, or a t-shirt, or anywhere else that might give someone the ammo to hurt me, again.

Tova7

on Apr 07, 2008

if it gets a few people talking about the subject who previously wouldn't have, she has achieved her objective.

I think her objective is herself, and people talk about her more than the shirts.

I could become fairly desensitized to rape if a lot of women started wearing these shirts. Just like everything else, think about it enough and it starts to not look so bad.

Texas Wahine

on Apr 07, 2008

Mason: Heh, no you're not having a dense day. I am not always the best at putting my thoughts out there.

I agree with you too, Tova, that the lady's motivation is probably not the most pure. I love how you can buy t-shirts for all sorts of causes for close to $50 and you can "help" the cause by buying it because, after all, 5% of the proceeds go to *insertcausehere*.

Tova7

on Apr 07, 2008

5% of the proceeds go to *insertcausehere*.

LOL

That would actually be a great t-shirt.

a "5% of proceeds go to *insertcausehere*" t-shirt.

hahaha

MasonM

on Apr 07, 2008

5% of the proceeds go to *insertcausehere*.LOLThat would actually be a great t-shirt.a "5% of proceeds go to *insertcausehere*" t-shirt.hahaha

I'm gonna get one of those printed up!

Big Fat Daddy

on Apr 08, 2008

Shakes head, held low, walks off wondering WTF...over.

KFC Kickin For Christ

on Apr 08, 2008

Would I wear it? No. To me it's dwelling on something bad that happened to me and everytime I saw that shirt in my drawer, the wash or while putting it on, it would force me to relive some very hard and horrible moments in my life.

I was almost raped (or worse killed) once and I cannot even imagine putting on a t-shirt advertising that fact. I hate that I have to even remember that time enough as it is. It's not something to advertise.

I mean, who wants to dwell on the worst time of your life when there are too many good memories to think upon? What purpose does this really serve other than to make others feel sorry for you? Regardless of the intent of the tee-shirt, this would inevitably be the result of wearing such a shirt.

And I definitely don't want people to feel sorry for me so again, I'd have to say no thanks.

Tova7

on Apr 08, 2008

I was almost raped (or worse killed) once

I remember the story. Freaky. Good thing you are strong.

I mean, who wants to dwell on the worst time of your life when there are too many good memories to think upon?

As Ben stated above, some people are defined by their problems...heh.

I wouldn't give anyone attention who wore this shirt because I'd feel like they won. They wanted something (attention) and went about getting it in a distasteful way. So I'd probably ignore them, not give them sympathy or anything else.

Tova7

on Apr 08, 2008

Shakes head, held low, walks off wondering WTF

Probably what most people will do. Can't see it opening any doors of discussion with strangers.

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