It's Time We Confront 'Not Rape'

In gray area of sex violations, models are especially vulnerable
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 31, 2008 4:53 PM CST
It's Time We Confront 'Not Rape'
Because their careers start so young, models are especially vulnerable to "not rape," writes Tatiana in Jezebel. In this photo, a model walks the runway on Dec. 8, 2008 in New York.   (Getty Images)

The definition of rape needs an update—more and more, men prey on young girls who are made to feel they are complicit in "a million male behaviors that are not so much rape as rape-ish,” and models are especially vulnerable, writes one in Jezebel. In a look at the “not rape” phenomenon, gaining press after being featured in a recent book, "Tatiana" looks back at her questionable sexual encounters and those of other young models—some of whom started their careers as young as 12.

“Agency directors. Financial backers. Clients”—all are potential “not-rapists,” she writes. “Being not raped is something our work environment tacitly encourages us to shrug off.” But it's not just models who are forced to deal with this "entire constellation of potential violations." Indeed, "almost every sentient woman has more than enough reason by experience to be afraid of" such advances.
(More rape stories.)

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