John T. Rine
Engl 1010-049X
September 7, 2004
Position Paper # 1
Excessive Consumption of Alcohol: a Catalyst for Rape
Alcohol is blamed as the cause of many crimes, crimes ranging from driving while under the influence of alcohol to Murder. After reading the paper "Dangerous Parties" by Paul Keegan, I wanted to find out for myself if there was a relationship between the excessive consumption of alcohol, and the occurrence of rape. What I learned through my research on this subject were shocking!
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate what I learned about this subject, that the excessive consumption of alcohol can, and often does act as a catalyst for the commitment of rape. There are several reasons why the excessive consumption of alcohol can facilitate rape.
First, sexual intent can be misconstrued due to the excessive consumption of alcohol. “The Date Rape Drugs and Alcohol Faq” page on the Kansas State University web site states that “Alcohol and drug use exaggerates problems with the misinterpretation of sexual intent and can be used to justify rape” (Date Rape Drugs and Alcohol).
Second, men who have been drinking (or think they have been drinking) become sexually aroused more easily. On the Interactive Theater web site, a page entitled “Alcohol and Rape What’s the Connection” states that “Studies show that men who think they have been drinking alcohol (whether or not they really have) feel sexually aroused and are more responsive to erotic stimuli and rape scenarios” (Alcohol and Rape What’s the Connection).
Third, there is a perception among men that women who drink are promiscuous. According to “Alcohol and Rape What’s the Connection”, “One common belief is that women who drink alcohol are more sexually available than women who do not drink” (Alcohol and Rape What’s the Connection).
Fourth, the occurrence of rape increases in frequency in environments where uncontrolled drinking takes place. According to George Dowdall reporting for...