The Men Against Rape student group recently changed their name to Allies Against Rape Culture in an effort, members say, to help expand their focus and involvement at Portland State.
After more than a year of advocating various issues and teaching rape prevention tactics, core members, like sophomore Tash Shatz, said they felt it was time for a change.
Because the name was so specific, Men Against Rape members felt there was too much bias toward certain genders and wanted to broaden their scope as a student organization.
“Last year we were a bit more apprehensive on what our stance as a student group was specifically,” said Shatz, group member and equal rights advocate for the Associated Students of Portland State University. “It was always open to any gender identity. We just needed to be more clear that everyone of every identity is welcome to join.”
Members of Allies Against Rape Culture (AARC) say they realize there is an uphill battle in front of them, but they remain optimistic about taking small steps within the PSU community that can lead to a greater change.
For member Brendan Baylor, the key is realizing the importance of small steps.
“Even if only one student shows up to an event we hold, if that student goes home and tells someone else, then the message continues,” he said. “We’re not trying to scare anyone into a life of fear; we just want people to realize the seriousness of rape and assault on campus.”
According to Shatz, out of 100 large U.S. cities, Portland currently ranks sixth highest in reported rapes. AARC say they are working toward lowering Portland on that list and hopefully eliminating rape culture altogether.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month at PSU, and members and volunteers of AARC are preparing. One of the biggest surprises from last April, they say, was the overwhelming turnout to the Women’s Resource Center-sponsored “Take Back the Night” event, which Men Against Rape had a part in. Before the event, the group held an event called “Give Back the Night” and set up a “Penis Registration Drive.”
AARC members say they hope to help increase the turnout for this year’s Take Back the Night, which offers support for students and various sexual assault prevention techniques.
They are planning an event to take place before Take Back the Night, called “Bike Back the Night,” and Shatz said he is thrilled with the idea.
“We have such a large cycling community here in Portland. We thought by adding bikes in the mix, it might generate even more turnout,” he said.
There are other AARC events on the horizon.
Fifth Avenue Cinema, along with AARC, will screen the documentary Dream Worlds on April 18, which deconstructs the music video world in correlation with rape culture.
While the battle is long and strenuous, and student involvement sparse, Baylor, along with the other members of AARC, say they know that together they can achieve something greater than themselves.
“If you let yourself get discouraged, nothing will ever get done,” he said.
Get involved
For more information on Allies Against Rape Culture, visit myspace.com/menagainstrapepdx or e-mail menar@pdx.edu with questions.