If you’ve known me for a decent amount of time, you have probably heard me say that Purity Culture has created an environment for Rape Culture to thrive in. Purity Culture typically represses most conversations about bodies and sexuality, except for a few brief discussions on not having sex. Rape Culture relies on silence, shame, and power to dehumanize and abuse individuals. Purity Culture creates those starting points.
If individuals are discouraged from talking about bodies, genitalia, or bodily functions, how can they talk about healthy sexuality? And if we can’t talk about healthy, consensual sexuality, we definitely aren’t talking about sexual assault and abuse. And because of this enormous lack of conversations and education, people can’t identify some of the more covert aspects of sexual assault and abuse like grooming, objectifying individuals (typically women and girls, and also LGBTQIA+ folx), and power differentials in relationships. There is also a lack of responsibility when abuse occurs in the church.
When I read the book “Beyond Shame” by @MatthiasRoberts , I was so glad that he talked about this connection between Purity Culture and Rape Culture. This is obviously going to be a pretty long series of posts to talk about these topics. What would be helpful to start with? Maybe some definitions and examples of Purity Culture and Rape Culture? Let me know if the comments!
