"Reversing Rape Culture" - Chapter 24: Some Things I Need To Say

The more I hear about it, the more I want to read deeper.

The more I read, the angrier I get.

The angrier I get, the more fed up I get. Something needs to be said and/or done.

I apologize in advance if this is all over the place. I'm not even sure what I want to say...

Something disgusting happens in the world, for the umpteenth time, and the world just keeps on spinning. Those that are in charge of influencing and molding our youth continue to slap offenders on the wrist and blame victims. It's beyond ridiculous. We're not cavemen. Let's evolve.

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A 16-year-old girl was raped by two high school football stars in Steubenville, Ohio. I'd love to say that this is the first time that this has ever happened.

I'd also love to sit here and say that there is one solitary solution that would make these travesties stop. There isn't. There's dozens of influences and deeply rooted problems that need to be solved, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

This is a multi-tiered problem that needs to be fixed collectively in our culture, from the ground up.

Our collective mindset needs to change when it comes to rape culture. I'm guilty of it, too, sadly.

In our high school there was... an incident. A girl a few years younger than me accused one of her classmates of violating her and forcing himself on her. I was skeptical because of her reputation. I'm embarrassed of my former mindset now, though I understand where the mindset comes from.

It has to change. We have to evolve on this issue.

Children today need to have it hammered into them that rape will not be tolerated. No grey area. If you violate someone in the worst possible way, your entire life can and should be ruined, too.

First and foremost, young men need to be taught respect. Even superstar athletes. (cancel that. Especially superstar athletes.) Respect yourself enough not to be peer pressured into doing something that disrespects yourself or another human being. In any capacity. Respect women no matter what. Treat others how you would like to be treated. You're no better than anyone else.

Young women need to be taught that their self-worth needn't be dictated by the amount of attention from others. They need role models to help and guide them through this messed up world that glorifies hyper-sexuality. They need to know that it's their right to say no, and to not be afraid of standing up for themselves. They, along with the young men of the world, need to be taught the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and until our collective culture shifts, they need to learn not to put themselves in dangerous situations.

Small communities that idolize their small-town sports teams need to get some perspective. The allegation that Steubenville community leaders (and peers of the convicted rapists) took measures to gloss over the misconduct of their star players is, at best disgusting/shortsighted and, at worst, criminal.

Everyone needs to operate under the same set of rules. Just because someone can shoot a hockey puck, dunk a basketball, or throw a perfect spiral, does not mean they are exempt from any of the rules that govern the rest of us. No matter who you are or where you're positioned in our culture, don't allow anyone to exist outside the parameters of normal society.

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So... what can we do?

If you plan on having kids some day, or have kids of your own now, sit them down and -gasp!- have the difficult conversations. Raise them. Nurture them. Protect them. Arm them with the knowledge and experience that you've gained. Make it abundantly clear that behavior like this can't and won't be tolerated.

If you're a teacher or a community leader, or someone in the position of influence over our youth, use this power for good. Lead by example and treat everyone you come across with the respect they deserve.

And last, but certainly not least, if you see something terrible happening, make it stop.

Sounds simple.

I know it isn't. I understand the pressures on young people, to fit in, to be cool, to have friends.

But if you see something happening that you know you wouldn't want done to you, make it stop, or tell someone who is capable of making it stop. If you don't, you're just as guilty as the perpetrators.

We can turn things around and change the collective minds of those that don't yet understand.

We have to.

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Sorry for the rant, thanks for reading my ramblings


                                                                                               -NxB

"Afflicted by Inspiration" - Chapter 23: Time To Get To Work

Throughout the past three days, we've been treated to ~70 presentations from ~70 second-year Creative Communications students, something that I will become in a few months.

Watching the passionate presentations of some of these literal geniuses was inspiring. Hearing them speak about their Independent Professional Projects (IPPs) was completely infectious. I can't wait to start working on my IPP, and in my major.

The overarching lesson I learned from this weird, rare experience of new-found motivation (despite the fact that I'm exhausted, overworked, and fighting off the first cold I've had in half a decade) is that I'm at my best when I surround myself with art and art's creators. I think that can be said of anyone.

When we surround ourselves with others who are motivated, creative, and have a true passion for what they do, how can we not follow suit? It's impossible not to be afflicted by inspiration.

The flipside of this new realization is... to avoid the black holes at all costs.

Black holes that consume positive energy and vibes. Black holes that absorb creativity and artistic desire. Black holes that inhale inspiration and motivation.

I don't have enough time left in my creative prime to waste on another year on artistic auto-pilot.

Not anymore. Time to get to work.

                                                                                                              -NxB

Listening to: Simple Man - Shinedown

"Assessing Google AdWords" Chapter 22: Another in-class assignment!

Today we briefly discussed Google AdWords and how Google is the biggest and most successful Ad Agency in the history of time.

We're supposed to think of five potential AdWords ads for our blogs, which fit a very specific template, and think of eight keywords that would be relevant to a Google search.

Here goes nothin'.

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Five potential AdWords ads...

Attention! To ALL
current, potential, or wannabe
Communications Professionals!
http://bicknellreport.blogspot.ca/

Advertising/PR/Journalism
News, Reviews, and Commentary.
A critical, scathing perspective.
http://bicknellreport.blogspot.ca/

I don't have all answers,
but we can discuss the questions.
Ethics and Reason will prevail.
http://bicknellreport.blogspot.ca/

Keeping integrity and
honesty in our modern media.
One blog at a time.
http://bicknellreport.blogspot.ca/

Modern Media
Through the eyes of a
Jaded Modern Man
http://bicknellreport.blogspot.ca/

Eight words and/or phrases that I think are indicative of my blog and important for people looking for it are... (in no particular order whatsoever...)

Nolan Bicknell
Blogging For Dummies
Journalistic Ethics and Integrity
Art and Commerce
Social Media Ethics
Public Relations Commentary
Product Placement
False Idolatry

If I was to actually do this campaign, I don't think the specific time of year would really matter, since most of the topics and blogs I've written are relatively universal and, dare I say... "timeless".

...Nah, I dare not.

During school is probably the best time, people tend to not seek out thought-provoking discussions about journalism, advertising, public relations, and general media when they're relaxing on the beach during summer months.

Thanks for reading!

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