When did rape become funny?

It's so weird. Have you heard any dialog, read any blogs, or watched any youtube videos about the rape scene in the movie, Observe and Report? You know, the scene that's supposed to make you laugh at Seth Rogen's character raping a woman? This clip on youtube is an interview with the director/characters. It's just plain weird to me. They actually think the scene is funny when it's a failed attempt at dark humor. It's an example of the director's reach extending beyond their grasp.

Here's the interview with the director and actors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjki8FxJNLc

Here's a little piece of social activism in response to the movie. Julia wrote and recorded a song on youtube in response to the movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGIQPTa4s_g

So, have we really come a long way baby? Let's see, Gone with the Wind was made in 1939 and included a rape scene. In this rape scene, the audience isn't supposed to laugh. You're supposed to swoon. And you're supposed to believe that women like to be raped. Consider the fact of Viven Leigh the next morning - smiling and humming. And, of course, the movie doesn't even bother to address the issue of African women who were enslaved and faced repeated rapes at the hands of white slave owners in the south. Too much of a dose of reality? I actually discussed this in a workhop one time and showed the rape scene in the movie. Two white women approached me at the break and told me that I forever ruined their favorite movie for them. They would never be able to watch the movie again without seeing the scene for what it is. Oops. So sorry to have raised your awareness about rape and common culture.

Resources for Working with Teens

Resources Related to Teen Dating Violence

· Curriculum on Gender-Based Violence in Schools
Doorways Training Manuals - Student, Community Counselor and Teacher Program to Reduce Gender-Based Violence in Schools
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/wid/doorways.html
Complete training manuals for teachers and students on School-based Gender-related Violence (SBGRV) Prevention and Response. For ages 10-14

· Mentors in Violence Prevention
www.jacksonkatz.com
Information on (MVP Program): curriculum for teaching high school and college students about dating and sexual violence. Focus is on bystander behavior.

· Facts about teen dating violence
www.endabuse.org
Website of Family Violence Prevention Fund – a wealth of information on all topics related to domestic violence with specific tabs on dating violence.

· Teen Abuse through technology
www.thatsnotcool.org
Website geared towards teens about cyber safety.

· Teen Dating Violence National Hotline and other teen resources
www.loveisrespect.org
www.chooserespect.org (sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control)

· Resources for adults working with teens
www.breakthecycle.org
Includes training manuals and videos. Many free downloads.

· Activism
www.dosomething.org
Social activism website that includes dating violence, bullying and a multitude of other social justice issues.