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Vagina Dentata
April 27th, 2007
No, this is not a circa 1950 artist’s rendering of a hi-rise of the future. This is a Rapex, billed as “the world’s 1st and only anti-rape condom.”
The Rapex product website doesn’t have much on it right now, but since the product has been out in South Africa since 2005, it does have a Wikipedia page.
The anti-rape female condom (aka anti-rape condom, intended brand name Rapex) was invented by Sonette Ehlers, a South African woman. It is intended to prevent rape by hooking onto an attacker’s penis, hurting and disabling him.
This is a great idea, in theory. But. I have a big, big but.
Critics of this device have called it “medieval, vengeful, horrible, and disgusting.” Kinda like rape. So whatever.
No, my problems with this condom are purely practical.
If I were a woman in South Africa, or any country where rape laws are weak, I would take one look at that toothy schlong-slicer thing and think, “Oh yeah - just what I need! A brand new way to get my ass kicked! Thanks a lot!”
The makers of Rapex think their design will prevent retaliation by razored rapists:
Should an attacker attempt vaginal rape, the penis would penetrate the latex and be hooked by the barbs, causing the attacker pain and (ideally) giving the victim time to escape.
Catch that? Ideally.
I can just see the disclaimer on the box: “Ideal conditions necesary for optimum usage; insufficient agony to the penis may cause severe beatings, murder, and/or honor killings.”
Also please note the assumption of vaginal rape, as if that’s the only option to a sexual predator. Once these slice-n-dicers become popular, I suspect so will forced sodomy.
The condom would remain attached to the attacker’s body and could be removed only surgically, which would alert hospital staff and police.
Which is fabulous, except that it assumes the police will actually give a shit. Rape is virtually unprosecuted in most third-world countries and still underprosecuted in the rest of the world. Laws and enforcement have always been biased against rape victims; how will a bunch of mutilated wankers change that?
And finally…what if I pop in my new condom and the damn thing breaks!? Ow ow ow ow ow.
I just don’t think ouchy-hoo-haa contraptions are the answer to the problem of rape. They’re long on instant gratification (at least for half of us) but short on long-term efficacy. A rape-free world is going to take boring, serious efforts like feminist consciousness-raising, retooled laws and enforcement, and education.
Most of all, women everywhere need to reclaim our unconditional right to equality and dignity. It takes guts, perseverance, and solidarity - not an easy row to hoe in any country. But until we do, no sci-fi vaginal cuisinart is going to end the violence against us.
Technorati Tags: Rapex, anti-rape condom, female condom, violence against women
Filed under Get Smart, Gynophobia, Nuz |5 Responses to “Vagina Dentata”
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I never thought of the increased incidence of sodomy. Or how about the fact that in countries where it is still male dominated maybe she gets charged with assault. He says she was willing and framed him. Hmmm interesting.
I agree these aren’t the answer. They are treating the problem symptomatically. Still, I think they can be a tool in getting those “boring” measures that are necessary pushed forward.
Giving the victim time to escape. “Ideally” If they don’t they face getting it worse. Which is all the same results and possible consequences as any other self defense tactic- a kick to the groin, slash at their eyes with our nails, attempt to bite as hard as we can their lip/arm/penis, little cans of pepper spray, something/anything with whatever is in grabbing range…how is this any different than any of these?
If a women weighs these thoughts and still feels the need to use this and finds some peace in that choice, let her. I think there need to be as many options in the war against rape as possible. Let women decide on individual levels if they want this one. Maybe the feeling of empowerment this can give her (because we know the government, family, culture, etc isn’t giving it to her in these countries they’re marketing them in) is most important of all.
If I were a woman with one shot at my attacker I would pick this. I’m guessing the attacker that got the faceful of pepper spray is more likely to force sodomy than the guy with this stuck to his penis.
The government need to realized these women’s rights and protect them and do all that boring stuff that eliminates the need for these. Until then it’s nice to know they have one thing on their side.
Hey Kaydee, the reason this condom is different than pepper spray, etc. is that it directly damages a man’s penis in a pretty serious manner (much worse than just hitting him). Men are likely to react far more violently to the idea of a woman being equipped to damage their “manhood” permanently than their eyes.
Regarding forced sodomy, I meant that as the use of this condom becomes more widespread, would-be attackers will obviously become well aware of the possibility of running into it. Thus, they will simply stop even attempting vaginal rape and switch to another orifice.
I agree women should be able to choose whether to use this or not; I never said they shouldn’t have the option. But there are pros and cons to everything and women owe it to themselves to consider all of them. Women need to make informed choices that serve them.
I would be very interested to see studies on whether this condom has helped reduce rape in South Africa. Who knows, maybe I’m totally off base and this device is the best thing since sliced… uh, anyway.
Readers, email me if you have info: uppityrib@yahoo.com.
Maybe the biggest problem with this is that women would have to wear the damned thing every time they thought they might be vulnerable. This would create or lend to a feeling of vulnerability that can be a magnet to would-be attackers. Not to mention the expense - are these single-use, or reuseable? Either way would carry with it a whole set of additional problems.
I think there are better ways to deal with the situation. Obviously, avoid places of danger. Don’t take people at face value, but exercise caution with meeting new men, staying in groups until you know them better.
So-called date rape is probably a greater danger than stranger rape, especially if you avoid dangerous places.
Don’t think of yourself as a potential victim. Be assertive, be strong. Don’t wander aimlessly when alone. Be loud. Get a dog.
Personally, I like the idea that they are “out there.” The very idea is enough to give one pause. And then, of course, even really lazy police love to have an easy layup. So to speak.
And, if worried about the “hang time” - the time needed to get away - smear a little toothpaste on the hooks. That should help the burn. For effectively lawless areas - consult your local Witch Doctor.
Hey, it’s a special purpose, self-defense tool, certainly no more reliable than a gun or a knife. But the alternative is having some man to protect you, and underfoot all the time.
BTW if you do happen to think it’s a good cause, sales from this shop go to the company for R&D, market research and whatever else.
Oh, and as you may notice, I’m having difficulty keeping a straight face about the matter… The idea is just so damnably amusing.