My Opportunity Belief

Assignment 4A

For many decades, the way a woman dresses has been a popularly discussed topic. Their choice of clothing has been talked about at schools, jobs, clubs, and even in a court room. The notion that a woman who is wearing a risque outfit is "asking for it" has been used as an actual argument in rape cases for many years. I, and many others believe that the way a woman dresses does not suggest whether she is looking to get hit-on, approached, and lastly, sexually assaulted. However, in many rape cases, one of the most commonly asked questions is: "Well, what was the victim wearing?" This has been a topic of controversy, as in many cases, prosecutors seem to link suggestive clothing to consent. A woman does not ask or suggest to get raped, and the entire notion of dictating their consent based on what they wear is ludicrous.

#1 Female UF student, 19, Single

• Have you ever felt scared walking home from a night out because of what you're wearing?
• Yes I have. My dad bought me a taser to carry with me at all times, especially going out. He knows I go out a lot and wants me to be safe whenever I walk home from midtown. My friends have pepper spray too. I'm single so I like to dress cute to attract guys but I obviously don't want them to think I want to have sex with them.
• Have you ever purposefully not worn an outfit because you thought it would bring unwanted attention?
• Yes. Sometimes my shirt is too revealing for a night out so I change out of it because I don't want guys staring at my chest because it's larger than most. 
• Do you think that what a woman wears influences whether she is "asking for it"or not?
• Nope. No woman is ever asking for it, and that is the final answer to that.
• Do you think it is a valid argument to suggest some women get raped for wearing a suggestive outfit?
• Absolutely not. That's as sexist as Trump saying "grab her by the *****."
• Would you argue to have this kind of argument ruled invalid in court?
• That argument should totally be eradicated. It is uncalled for to blame the victim on her own sexual assault because she was dressed in a skirt instead of sweatpants. 

Reflection: This person agreed that something should be done to remove such comments in a courtroom. She feels like she has to watch how she dresses because it can bring negative attention that she isn't seeking for.

#2 Male UF student, 22, single

• Do you think that what a woman wears influences whether she is "asking for it"or not?
• No. End of the day, a woman's choice in clothing can't be held accountable for a man's sexual instincts.
• Do you think it is a valid argument to suggest some women get raped for wearing a suggestive outfit?
• No. Even if a woman is naked, no means no and that is the end of it. 
• Would you argue to have this kind of argument ruled invalid in court?
• If the defense asked "did you see what she was wearing?" then I would say "what does that matter?" A person who chooses to attack and rape another person attacks them for reasons unrelated to the victim's attire.

Reflection: Similar to the first girl, he believes that such arguments should be brought up in court because the way a woman dresses does not equate to their consent or lack of. He even goes to say that even if they are naked, they are still not asking for it. No woman is.

#3 Female UF student, 21, long-term relationship

• Have you ever felt scared walking home from a night out because of what you're wearing?
• Yes. I've been cat-called in the past and it only happens when I'm wearing something that shows skin or my legs.
• Have you ever purposefully not worn an outfit because you thought it would bring unwanted attention?
• Yes because one time I wore shorts to the club and I got hit on a lot. The next time I went, I wore something more modest like jeans and I didn't get hit on nearly as much as I did when I wore shorts.
• Do you think that what a woman wears influences whether she is "asking for it"or not?
• No, because girls can wear whatever they want without wanting that attention. However, I think for a guy, when they see a woman wearing something sexy, they think she wants to get hit on and touched. 
• Do you think it is a valid argument to suggest some women get raped for wearing a suggestive outfit?
• Definitely not a valid argument. The outfit has nothing to do with consent. 
• Would you argue to have this kind of argument ruled invalid in court?
• For sure. That argument is absolutely ridiculous. No woman is asked to be sexually assaulted because they're wearing a skirt. Skirts are cute and trendy, not meant to simply be eye-candy for men. That's disgusting that stuff like this is even brought up.

Reflection: This girl thinks similarly to the other two interviewees. She even gives examples of her own experiences at clubs, and how a simple change of wardrobe made a big difference in how harassment-free her night went.

Summary

After interviewing these prototypical customers, my belief still remains in need. All three people agreed that this argument needs to be eradicated from every court room, and not be allowed as an argument. This unmet need can be satisfied if by limiting certain pieces of evidence/arguments into court, such as this one that violates a woman's freedom to comfortably dress as they please.