By Erin McElwee Staff writer
On Nov. 2, Keith E. Edwards visited Susquehanna to run a program on preventing sexual violence.
The event took place in Degenstein Theater and was attended by approximately 80 students and staff.
Edwards has spoken before on preventing sexual violence, men’s identity and social justice.
He has presented at over 100 national programs, has written for books and has received a variety of honors.
In the program, Edwards discussed that anyone—regardless of gender, race, ability, etc.—can be a victim of sexual violence.
He also focused on how all people can be a part of the solution to the problem.
Edwards pointed out that society often teaches women how to help themselves not be victims of sexual violence.
He believes that it is this sole focus on the victims of these crimes rather than the perpetrators that furthers rape culture in society.
Edwards believes that society should teach men, who are often the perpetrators, how to become the solution to ending these acts.
Sophomore anthropology major Margaux Palaski said it was interesting to hear a viewpoint on how men, rather than women, can solve the issue of sexual violence.
“The lecture changed how I look at sexual harassment, because it is similar to what he said—that it normally involves women, and how the women always seemed to get blamed for being assaulted,” Palaski said.
“It was refreshing to hear a lecture almost completely aimed at men and how they can prevent assault by understanding what exactly it is,” Palaski added.
Edwards believes that sexual violence cannot just be a woman’s issue. In order for it to ever see progress, it must also be a man’s issue.
Edwards explained that it is rape culture in society that dehumanizes men in the eyes of women and perpetuates the oppression of women.
Edwards offered staggering statistics for people of college age: according to three different surveys from 1987 to 2011, one in four college women reported surviving sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.
84% of these women also knew their attackers.
Edwards pointed out it is not the stereotypical picture of the stalker we have in our head, but someone we recognize and trust.
His data also included that a vast majority of men often do not know the things they do constitute as rape. Edwards sees this as a fault in the teachings of our society.
Edwards said society is at fault for this problem in four ways. First, women are frequently depicted as sexual objects. Second, society often subordinates women’s intelligence, capability and humanity. Third, society puts forth to men that masculinity is a sexual conquest.
And lastly, there is an intersection of different forms of oppression that is not recognized—all forms of oppression lie at the roots of sexual violence and must be cared about to fix the issues.
At the root of Edwards’ speech was a message for students and staff: intervention.
He believes it is the things we see and hear everyday that go unprotested that are the beginnings of sexual violence. By mentioning it to one another or protesting the notions perpetuated by society, Edwards said that we begin the process of defeating sexual violence.
Sophomore graphic design major Ryan Rizzuto said Edwards’ speech was vital and relevant to improving safety on college campuses.
“I think it’s important to be more vocal on what’s right and wrong with our peers,” Rizzuto said.
“I feel if college students spoke up more about different situations, we could make a difference in preventing rape and sexual assault,” he added.
Edwards is not optimistic when it comes to the end of sexual violence, as evidence of improvement is often bleak.
He is hopeful that with education and coming together, we can begin to change and prevent these acts of violence.