Fill/Stroke.com
This might seem a bit off topic from our general fare, but I am filing this under “industrial design” or “design for the greater good” or something.
I found this article being talked about when browsing around one of the photography blogs I read (nsfw) and I thought it was an interesting product: a female condom with inner barbs as a rape prevention/deterrent device
To me, I thought it was an interesting product, something that I’d want my daughter to have if she ended up living in a city, or traveling or at a party with some bastard frat guys. However, when I ran across this article protesting it, I was really surprised to see that the reaction towards it was a feeling that the product was “anti-feminist”, that it somehow objectified women, and promoted the idea that “if you got raped, you were asking for it”
In regards to the FAQ questions the author says:
I mean, they pretty much all have the same gist: wear our product 24-7 not out of fear but out of responsibility and a safeguard against the inherent viciousness of all men.
and some more thoughts:
Just how many light years does this set us back as far as the whole feminist movement thingey majig? I mean, I totally understand why we should revert to the dark ages and all women should live in constant fear of all men, and we’re all potential rape victims…but exactly, how many years (approx) are we exactly going back?
Maybe I’m missing some emotional reaction to this because I am a guy, but I like the idea of women I love being protected in any way possible. I don’t find it any different from someone carrying around mace, except this product seems like it would be more effective. Its like the purple-ink theft tags they put on clothes, where there is no hiding the fact of what you’ve done (and no, I don’t meant to compare rape to theft, or women to clothes, they aren’t on the same scale in any any any way. Just the idea of marking criminals, in this case, with barbs shoved deep into a pathetic man.)
I’m interested to hear what you guys think about this. And also, more on topic with Fill/Stroke, the idea of design being used as a social/physical tool to help keep people safe.
Posted by md in industrial design, innovation, opinion, social change on 21 August 2008.
Modern day chastity belt get!
Not quite the same intention behind it, but certainly a similar effect.
My first inclination is the discomfort of wearing that. As far as feminism goes, I don’t particularly see the issue off the top of my head, but I feel like this is extremely alarmist as was stated.
I also think that by the point that intercourse actually happens, the psychological damage is already done. It is therefore nothing like mace or any other popular deterrent. Those are intended to create an escape before it gets to that point. I imagine that the device would send the rapist into a fit of rage and possibly escalate the situation to a more dangerous one. It could, however, create another opportunity to escape but I don’t view this solution as a replacement by itself. But this is purely speculation.
1. sarah. 2 September 2008.
Leave a comment
Trackback. Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed.