April 1 marks the beginning of National Sexual Assault Awareness month. It is also April Fool’s Day. Unfortunately, these two dates corresponded in a disheartening way in Friday’s edition of the Oregon Daily Emerald. Tyree Harris’ “LaMichael James transfers to in-state rival Oregon State” satire insinuated James had been sexually violated in a locker room prank with whipped cream, a banana and two small guinea pigs is not only distasteful and offensive but also dangerous.
That this was printed on the first day of a sexual violence prevention month shows we have a long way to go in educating ourselves about sexist violence. This article highlights common misconceptions of sexual assault and continues the cycle of oppression by making light of such horrific acts.
Are we really laughing at someone being so sexually violated that they walk with a limp? While satire can play a role addressing social issues — and it is obvious the intent was to highlight the campuses collective obsession with James — the laughs are at too great an expense to actual survivors of traumatic sexual violation.
Sexual assault is an epidemic in our community. One in four women will experience some form of sexual assault, either completed or attempted, during their four years of college.
If we continue to make light of this issue, we risk furthering a campus climate that silences and shames survivors and normalizes perpetration. Sexual violence affects our entire community; it’s time we took it seriously.
Brandy Ota
director, ASUO Women’s Center
Abigail Leeder
director, sexual violence prevention and education
Erin Darlington
GTF, sexual violence prevention and education