MeiFon

Last night, I watched a Mandarin forum programme in RTM2. My interest was captured with their topic that night – Raping occurs due to indecent clothing. The three respectable panels gave their brilliant ideas. They disagreed with the topic. I was, however flabbergasted when callers called in and claimed that rape cases are due to females who wear revealing clothing. Most of the public that was interviewed beforehand also felt that indecent clothing is a factor of rape cases. In other words, they are saying that it is the females’ fault when they are raped. I was appalled to see how blind our society is. Media mass has repeatedly reported that indecent clothing was not the factor. It seems like the society has turned a deaf ear all these while.

First, what is indecent clothing? What is sexy? Is showing our tummy considered sexy? But sari exposes the wearer’s tummy and I do not think sari is sexy. The term ‘sexy’ depends on the eyes of the beholders. There has never been a clear line that divides the definition of sexy and unsexy. If this is the case, what is indecent? What is decent? How decent should a female be? Walking around the city with only the eyes exposed – like a mummy?

Also, young girls that have not yet reached puberty have been raped. Grandmothers are not exceptional from being rape victims. Young Malay students wearing tudung and baju kurung are raped as well. Tell me, how sexy are they? It is sad to see the society blames the victims when such an unfortunate event had occurred.

I would like to share an analogy with you all. 

A thief broke into a shop and stole a Coca-cola can drink. He was caught later with the empty can in his hand. In the interrogation room, he claimed that he stole the Coca-cola can drink because it was too delicious and irresistible. Several reinforcers went to the Coca-cola manufacturer factory and ordered them to make less delicious Coca-cola can drinks.

Sound ridiculous? It is ridiculous as well when females were asked to wear decently to prevent getting rape. In the above situation, to lessen the probability of stealing cases, shops should put up CCTV, security guards or burglar alarms. The same solutions should be taken in preventing rape cases. Better security, more patrolling police officers, and safer environment. Not asking females to wear more decently!

Please think, do you really think wearing decently is the ultimate solution to prevent rape cases? People are raped because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Another practical solution to prevent rape cases is by introducing sex education in schools. For decades, sex education has only been NATO. It is time to expose the used-to-be-taboo topics to teenagers. Ever heard of curiosity kills the cat? I read somewhere long time ago that there is a country that allows prostitution and selling of sex films legally. The country records the lowest rape cases in the world. I am not suggesting that

Malaysia

should do the same. Instead, we can be more open-minded by introducing sex education in schools. Parents should be encouraged to talk openly about sex. Centres that educate sex should be built. Certain terms such as condoms and productive body parts should be used in education talks, not as jokes.

In today’s newspapers, a research says that Kelantan and Pahang have the hightes surfers for porn sites. Ironically, these two states have strict conservative Islamic rules. As I said earlier, curiosity really kills the cat.

Stop the rubbish that says sexy clothing is a factor for rape cases.