No More Excuses: Dismantling Rape Culture

Keyser, Amber J.

ISBN 10: 1541540204 ISBN 13: 9781541540200

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books ™, 2019

Synopsis

Soon after the sexual misconduct allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein became public in late 2017, the #MeToo movement went viral, opening up an explosive conversation about rape culture around the globe. In the US, someone is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. More than 320,000 Americans over the age of twelve are sexually assaulted each year. Men are victims too. One in thirty-three American men will be sexually assaulted or raped in his lifetime. Yet only 3 percent of rapists ever serve time in jail. Learn about the patriarchal constructs that support rape culture and how to dismantle them: redefining healthy manhood and sexuality, believing victims, improving social and legal systems and workplace environments, evaluating media with a critical eye, and standing up to speak out. Case studies provide a well-rounded view of real people on all sides of the issues.

About this title

About the Author:

Evolutionary biologist-turned-author Amber J. Keyser has a MS in zoology and a PhD in genetics. She writes both fiction and non-fiction for tweens and teens.

Her young adult novels include Pointe, Claw (Carolrhoda Lab, 2017), an explosive story about two girls claiming the territory of their own bodies, and The Way Back from Broken (Carolrhoda Lab, 2015), a heart-wrenching novel of loss and survival (and a finalist for the Oregon Book Award). She is the co-author with Kiersi Burkhart of the middle grade series Quartz Creek Ranch (Darby Creek, 2017).

Her nonfiction titles include The V-Word (Beyond Words/SimonTeen, 2016), an anthology of personal essays by women about first-time sexual experiences (Rainbow List, Amelia Bloomer list, New York Public Library Best Book for Teens and Chicago Public Library Best Nonfiction for Teens) and Sneaker Century: A History of Athletic Shoes (Twenty-First Century Books, 2015), among numerous other titles.

Her forthcoming books include Tying the Knot: A World History of Marriage (Twenty-First Century Books, 2018) and Underneath It All: The History of Women's Underwear (Twenty-First Century Books, 2018). More information at www.amberjkeyser.com. Connect with Amber on Twitter @amberjkeyser.

Review:

"Sexual assault remains one of the most common crimes committed in the United States; this book explains why. Rape culture, described by Betty Friedan in 1963, is a set of beliefs and cultural practices that excuses sexual violence, most commonly perpetrated by cisgender men against women. Keyser (Underneath it All, 2018, etc.) references events and cultural trends ranging from the #MeToo movement to Brock Turner's acquittal to Trump's 2016 presidential election campaign to explore the underlying causes of rape culture as well as its devastating consequences. The author, who envisions the book as a 'road map for building a better future,' ends each chapter with recommendations for action that readers can take to combat toxic and pervasive societal attitudes. The intersectional analysis does a thorough job of considering issues like blackness and gender nonconformity. However, the people profiled, as well as the quotes from and interviews with teens, lack diversity, for example, not mentioning any high-profile cases of transgender individuals. Additionally, topics such as the high rates of sexual assault of Native American, transgender, and gender nonconforming people, among others; the effect of immigration status on reporting rape; and the potential for prison reform through restorative justice are skimmed over. While one book cannot cover everything, this one certainly could have covered more. A laudably current guide to rape culture that at times sacrifices depth for clarity."―Kirkus Reviews

(Journal)

"This important text on rape culture explores gender norms, the intersection of race and gender, and how the transgender population is disproportionately affected by rape. Keyser also offers a timely discussion of how restorative justice can address the needs of all affected in cases of sexual harassment or violence. The design makes this volume highly readable, with highlighted quotes by teens, politicians, activists, and feminists, as well as color and captioned photographs and bold-faced inserts. Vignettes of societal responses to rape and its long-term effects on victims are varied and include interviews with teens and stories about the origins of activist organizations. Also featured is up-to-date information on legislation such as Title IX and age-of-consent laws. The author dismantles myths around rape, such as the prevalence of false reports, which in fact account for less than 10 percent of all reported cases. The back matter includes extensive source notes, a glossary, further reading lists―both fiction and nonfiction―films, and hashtags. While a global perspective is lacking, this excellent volume can be paired with recent YA fiction titles and Rupi Kaur's poetry that also call into question the deep-rooted gender norms of rape culture. VERDICT Highly recommended for every library that serves teens."―starred, School Library Journal

(Journal)

"According to a CDC survey, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped during their lifetime. Over 50 percent of gender-nonconforming individuals are raped. This book looks at the history of rape culture and offers suggestions for change. It defines the term rape culture, explains how toxic masculinity has contributed to the ways men view and treat women, and offers examples of how the media objectifies and degrades the female body. High-profile accused sexual abusers, like Harvey Weinstein and Larry Nasser, are mentioned, as are the #MeToo and Time's Up movements. Title IX in public schools, the dress code double standard, slut shaming, and other contributing factors are discussed. 'Why don't we believe rape survivors?' the author asks. 'We don't want to.' And in measured, fact-supported text, she goes on to explain exactly why. Concluding quotes allow people to envision a world without rape culture. This book, which includes color photos, isn't an exhaustive look at the topic, but it's a straightforward, well-organized overview for young people."―Booklist

(Journal)

About this edition

• Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books ™
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1541540204
• ISBN 13: 9781541540200
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 144