Reid, Rachael (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Edenfield, Avery (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)
Recent outcries in the media and political conversation like the story of Brock Turner and the #metoo movement, have demonstrated how the rhetoric surrounding sexual assault is a problem. Current rhetoric surrounding these issues have demonstrated the continued staggering number of sexual assaults that happen every year, but has yet to solve the actual problem. In the name of feminism, people everywhere fight for the rights of those marginalized within a community, of all different group types. However, one group rarely mentioned is men who are victims of sexual assault (perpetrated by men or women). Frost's Apparent Feminism "recognize(s) and make(s) apparent the urgent and sometimes hidden exigencies for feminist critique of contemporary technical rhetorics." This work demonstrates the need for participation in Feminist work for all people and says that even those that don't identify as "feminist but do work that complements feminist goals, and makes apparent the ways in which efficient work actually depends on the existence and input of diverse audiences" has an essential role in the discourse around sexual assault perpetrated against men. Men are taught by society to hide their feelings, to "man up", and not express when something is difficult. In order for complex social impact in this area, we see the importance of technical communication. This research shows how the perception of sexual assault against men can be changed through our technical communication and help us reshape the world in which we live. Normalizing the effects/ reality of sexual assault against men is a step in this work. I am only considering those who have reported their sexual assault, which does give some bias. I will unpack what discourse is currently taking place and steps to change that discourse through communication strategies.