In the shadow of President Richard Brodhead's Tuesday night press conference, Ron Campbell, an independent human sexuality educator, presented Sexual Assault Prevention Week's second keynote address. Campbell's discussion focused on the critical role of socialization in regards to sexual assault.
Campbell's address examined both the challenges and opportunities communities face in resocializing, or changing previous social constructs or perceptions of, sexual assault.
He recognized that although addressing the underlying societal perceptions of sexual assault is difficult, it is especially necessary for men to think about such issues differently.
Campbell, who specializes in studying male sexuality, said men have the responsibility, right and capability to change but added that "it's hard to get men to change just because it's the right thing to do."
He noted that rape and sexual violence have become so socialized in our society that they are often identified as the norm. Before such habits can be undone, it is essential to identify the source of harmful attitudes and behaviors, he said.
One factor he considers most influential is the "intergenerational corruption of men"-the perpetuation of harmful beliefs and actions regarding male-female relationship dynamics.
He also noted that it is very important to deconstruct sexual myths and to emphasize quality over quantity in terms of sexual encounters.
"In the quest for the conquest we lose the humanity of the people involved," Campbell said.
Campbell also addressed community response to sexual assault.
Although he recognized that "there is too much violence not to get mad," the manner in which a community responds to incidents of sexual assault must not alienate any of the parties, he said. Since all parties must be part of a solution, he explained that it is vital not to marginalize any single group.
"One [incident of sexual assault] is too many to tolerate," Campbell said. "This community can respond to the challenge, and there is a lot of opportunity for good."
Many attendees agreed with Campbell's call for compassion.
"Tonight Ron Campbell really challenged us to engage in dialogue," said junior Tom Buchanan, coordinator for Men Acting for Change, a campus sexual assault prevention group. "He emphasized the importance of empathy, compassion and communication in our interactions as a community."
Although the event had been scheduled for months, it was sparsely attended, largely because it coincided with Brodhead's press conference, which addressed the recent allegations that three members of the men's lacrosse team sexually assaulted a woman during Spring Break.
Jean Leonard, sexual assault support services coordinator at the Women's Center, said she hopes that community members will shift some of their focus to the healing process and educational programs.
"How many people showed up at the rally, and how many showed up at this event?" she asked. "One of the things I'm hoping for is that the energy being mobilized on campus right now can be channeled into events like these, so that people can take their very righteous anger and support and connect with programs that are working year-round on this issue."
Sexual Assault Prevention Week's last big event, Take Back the Night, will occur Wednesday evening. As in previous years, it will allow time and space for survivors to be honored and the community to unite against sexual assault.
In light of recent events, the Women's Center has extended a special invitation to both the Durham community as well as students from North Carolina Central University.
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