Hello all,
In today's tute, the topic of virtual rape was heavily discussed. And now, perhaps more then any other time, I would like to utilise this blog to express what I could not in the tute - so please excuse me if I may seem brash or perhaps naive (particularly regarding legal policy and prosecution laws - within both the 'real world' and cyberspace). Virtual rape does not carry the same ramifications, or rather should not, then rape in the real world. Firstly, the physical side effects of rape are far more malice and severe in the real world then that of the virtual. Well may we argue that our virtual selves have now overlapped with, and are often confused with, our real, tangible selves, but distinctions still must be made between these two realms. For example, bullying which may occur in the school playground is different from that which takes place in cyberspace, or the virtual world. Let me explain; a child is approached by a pier in the playground who then proceeds to tournament the child (both mentally - calling them names and insulting them, and physically through size - using hand gestures, facial expression, pushing, punching and kicking). Conversely, a similar event may take place over a social networking site such as facebook or MSN. However in this instance, there is no possibility of a physical form of intimidation (including facial expressions and hand gestures) but rather written (not spoken) forms of bullying. Clearly, these two situations, although both concerned with bullying and intimidation techniques or tactics, are not of the same caliber (for reasons outlined above). Nor should they carry the same consequences or punishment.
Through this example it should become evident that acts which take place on the internet and in real life, are not and should not be classified within the same realm. And they most certainly should not carry the same penalty or level of punishment. In fact, a rape case should further support this argument, as the consequences of rape on the victims behalf are far more damaging if they take place in the real world - because of the combined effects of the physical and the mental or psychological damage/trauma.
Cheers,
Blake.
The argument about virtual community definitely brought about quite a few stand points in tutorial. Before having the tutorial, I felt strongly against the idea of treating the Virtual Community similarly to the Real Life. However, after the tutorial, I definitely am interested in finding out more about the Virtual Community and its implications.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do kinda agree with Blake in his argument that Virtual Rape and Real Life Rape should not receive the similar consequences, I do argue that there needs to be implications behind Virtual Rape as well. The severity between Virtual Rape and Real Life Rape, I think, is dependent on individuals. I think that the reason why some of us may be so adverse to the idea of having similar consequences is due to the fact that we may not understand why people are so immersed in the Virtual Community.
I would have to agree, I went into the tute determined to make the point that one cannot be "raped" online - since you are not physically being raped (or even physically present) - but afterwords the blur of lines between 'reality' and the 'reality' of the online communities has become much more prominent.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I would go as far as to say that what goes on online is 'reality', but I wouldn't jump to conclusions of it not being an extension of ones reality either.
It's a lot to think about.
I definitely agree with Blake here. But at the same time I can understand the opposing view, because emotional damage can be equal to or worse than physical damage. I feel as if the blurring of the line between the 'real' and the 'virtual' exemplifies the impermanence of reality itself. Anyone else have thoughts on that?
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