Rape is a heinous crime that violates an individual’s dignity, autonomy, and physical integrity. It is a traumatic experience that leaves lasting scars on the victim’s psyche and can result from distortions in the perpetrator’s psyche.
You’d think this preamble would be obvious and wouldn’t need to be stated, but these are the Stupid Ages, and we have to get by without assuming the obvious and without nuance. So it goes.
The depiction and discussion of rape within art and literature have been a subject of intense and vicious debate for a long time. The last time I even entertained discussion of this topic, I was subjected to the worst kinds of hatred and sabotage by outraged morons, which has – at this point – now lasted over a decade. While some argue that such portrayals are necessary for various reasons, or at least the possibility of such portrayals (my position) or to raise awareness, others believe it can be triggering and exploitative and should never be represented.
So why would anyone want to create such a thing in their art?
Why is a story about a football team taking a plane ride boring, but a story about their plane crashing and them having to engage in cannibalism to survive more interesting? Why do most stories include conflict, violence or other challenging themes?
Because it is interesting because it is engaging, and because it’s powerful.
Mythology is full of stories that depict rape. From the Greek god Zeus to the Norse god Loki, many powerful figures in our common mythohistory have committed sexual violence. While these stories are often disturbing, they reflect the harsh realities of the world in which they were created and can reflect similar harsh realities in our history or our fictional worlds. They also provide an opportunity to explore the psychological and emotional impact of rape on both the victim and the perpetrator.
It is worth noting that rape fantasies are common, especially among women. While this may seem counterintuitive, it indicates the complexity of human sexuality. Rape fantasies are not about rape per se; they are a way for women to explore their desires in a safe and controlled environment. This can also be a way to reclaim power and agency because of actual rape or because society can often seek to control female sexuality. In the context of storytelling, rape can be used to explore these fantasies in a paradoxically consensual and respectful way.
Art and literature have always been powerful mediums of communication and expression. They can evoke strong emotions and provoke thought. Art has been used to comment on social issues, critique societal norms, and to raise awareness about social injustices. Similarly, literature has been used to provide a window into different experiences and to explore complex themes. Why shouldn’t this include rape?
One of the benefits of depicting rape within art and literature is that it can provide a platform for survivors to tell their stories. Art and literature can provide a space for survivors to express their experiences in a way that is meaningful to them. This can be an empowering process, allowing survivors to reclaim their stories and give voice to their experiences. By doing so, they can help others who have gone through similar experiences feel less alone. Rape victims are frequently blamed and shamed. By showing rape honestly and authentically, artists and writers can help break down these stigmas and promote understanding. This can be particularly powerful in raising awareness and encouraging action.
Moreover, the depiction of rape within art and literature can serve as a tool for education. Art and literature can provide a way to educate people about the realities of rape, including its impact on victims and the societal factors that contribute to it. Through art and literature, people can learn about the issue’s complexities and be better equipped to address it. This can include understanding the various forms of rape, such as date rape, marital rape, and sexual assault, and its impact on different populations, including women, men, and children.
It is essential to consider the context and purpose of the depiction, but even if it is depicted in a way you subjectively perceive as exploitative or gratuitous, you should still respect the free expression rights of the creator and its frequent utility to victims. Nothing about any piece of art requires you to consume it.
Why should rape be treated differently from war, murder, torture or any other extreme act, conflict or situation? These are the places where stories live, where they’re more exciting and engaging and therefore ripe for the existence of art, high or low, tasteful or otherwise.
Why would an artist choose to depict a difficult subject? Why wouldn’t they?
Why wouldn’t they?
Laurie Penny recently wrote an 
Grim's Tales 