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It's Time We Confront 'Not Rape'

In gray area of sex violations, models are especially vulnerable

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2008 4:53 PM CST

(Newser) – The definition of rape needs an update—more and more, men prey on young girls who are made to feel they are complicit in "a million male behaviors that are not so much rape as rape-ish,” and models are especially vulnerable, writes one in Jezebel. In a look at the “not rape” phenomenon, gaining press after being featured in a recent book, "Tatiana" looks back at her questionable sexual encounters and those of other young models—some of whom started their careers as young as 12.

“Agency directors. Financial backers. Clients”—all are potential “not-rapists,” she writes. “Being not raped is something our work environment tacitly encourages us to shrug off.” But it's not just models who are forced to deal with this "entire constellation of potential violations." Indeed, "almost every sentient woman has more than enough reason by experience to be afraid of" such advances.

Because their careers start so young, models are especially vulnerable to not rape, writes Tatiana in Jezebel. In this photo, a model walks the runway on Dec. 8, 2008 in New York.
Because their careers start so young, models are especially vulnerable to "not rape," writes Tatiana in Jezebel. In this photo, a model walks the runway on Dec. 8, 2008 in New York.   (Getty Images)
Models have many run-ins with not rape, writes Tatiana in Jezebel. In this photo, a model walks the runway during the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2009 fashion show on Dec. 8, 2008 in New York City.
Models have many run-ins with "not rape," writes Tatiana in Jezebel. In this photo, a model walks the runway during the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2009 fashion show on Dec. 8, 2008 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
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As Peterson's essay illustrates so aptly, there are a million male behaviors that are not so much rape as rape spectrum, or rape-ish, or not rape by degree instead of by kind.
- Tatiana, Jezebel writer and model

The fashion industry probably has a case to answer for perpetuating the idea that teenaged girls—or the occasional leggy 12-year-old—are the equivalent of grown women in every way. - Tatiana, Jezebel writer and model

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Jan 27, 2009 3:14 AM CST
A woman who consents to sex is NOT raped. She's just an idiot. If we can't trust women to say yes or no, will women have to go to court to get sex "approval" BEFORE sex? A conservatorship for ALL women because they're incapable of deciding on their own? Is that better? or maybe it's an age thing? You can't have sex with women under 18 already, right? Raise that to 28? Or maybe 38? So all women under 38 who want sex have to take their man and get court approval...?
Shannonals
Jan 2, 2009 5:13 AM CST
It's only a book released by a MODEL, no one takes her seriously
Guest
Jan 2, 2009 4:52 AM CST
Pardon me while I laugh in this woman's face. You destroy all the moral roadblocks that once stood in the way of aggressive male sexual behavior, then encourage it further by splashing every flat surface in the country with overtly sexual images and messages, then become a willing participant in one of the premiere industries dedicated to exciting men's libidos, and now you want to whine about it? Is there no limit to the stupidity of modern, secular man (and woman)?
 

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