Look, we know all of you are pretty divided on the subject of Charlie Pickering. We’ve read the comments. We’re all very happy you’ve expressed yourselves clearly on the matter.
But regardless of how you feel personally about the individual, this is important. Very, very important.
On this week’s edition of the The Weekly, Pickering and his team tackled a subject scarcely talked about on mainstream Australian TV – and one that demands much, much more chatter and visibility in the dominating media.
Rape culture.
More specifically, the prevailing line of discourse from authority figures in this country that continually places more weight on women going out of their way and self-limiting their own freedoms in order to shield themselves from rape and sexual violence.
When that is the dominating discussion – rather than placing the onus on… y’know… the ones actually doing the raping – it’s a problem. A big one.
Pickering rightfully pointed out a Canadian advertising campaign aimed at shedding light on male participation and the concept of consent – the “Don’t Be That Guy” ad campaign – that saw a 10 percent drop in recorded sexual assaults in the 12 months following.
The argument, Pickering made, was that maybe it was time for Australian society to make a big song and dance about the issue.
And, with the help of Miranda Tapsell, Angie Hart, and Geraldine Quinn, that’s exactly what they did.
You don’t really need percussion when you’re hitting the nail on the head that sweetly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing physical or sexual abuse, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
