Infusing a New Dialogue Around Body Autonomy and Power Dynamics

Rape culture is a toxic environment where sexual violence is normalized, often blaming victims for their experiences while excusing perpetrators from responsibility. The rise of the #MeToo movement has given voice to countless women, particularly Black women and girls, who have survived sexual assault. However, this narrative is often overshadowed in mainstream media by representations in music and film that still perpetuate rape culture, often masked as entertainment.

Advocates for Healing and Justice

Dr. Mari Morales-Williams, a healing justice advocate at Straight Ahead and co-founder of Educators for Consent Culture, is leading a mission to dismantle these harmful norms. She’s been illuminating the essence of “consent culture,” a framework centered on body autonomy and personal power.

“Consent culture is about the right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’; it’s about respecting individual freedoms,” Morales-Williams articulates. “How we talk about power within our families, schools, and communities is crucial. These conversations are deeply affected by our racial, gender, and sexual identities, all influenced by historic processes of colonization and media portrayal.”

Beyond the Classroom: Consent in Everyday Spaces

SynClaire Arthur, a therapist and fellow advocate at Educators for Consent Culture, expands the conversation around consent beyond romantic relationships. “In schools, consent is also about the comfort level of interaction between teachers and students,” says Arthur. “A simple ‘Can I hug you?’ can make all the difference. Who holds the power to consent is a complex issue that needs more discussion.”

Challenging the Status Quo: Consent Across Genders

A significant part of this advocacy is including the experiences of male and gender non-conforming survivors. “We’re living in a society that paints men as the aggressors and women as the victims. But this isn’t the whole truth,” warns Dr. Morales-Williams. “Masculine individuals, including men and trans folks, are often overlooked as survivors. It’s time to challenge these harmful narratives.”

Real-Life Implications: The Media’s Role

Even popular films like Coming 2 America perpetuate harmful norms. The movie casually portrays a non-consensual sexual encounter between Leslie Jones and Eddie Murphy’s characters, dismissing it under the umbrella of comedy. “This trivialization silences men and other survivors, and it must be challenged,” Morales-Williams emphasizes.

Building a Culture of Healing

Educators for Consent Culture was founded in 2019 to change the narrative. They invite community members to deepen their understanding of power dynamics and boundary-setting. “There’s so much more to healing than getting corporate sponsorships,” concludes Morales-Williams. “Understanding and implementing consent can bring about real change.”

For those interested in joining this transformative movement, especially men and masculine individuals from Philadelphia, you can get involved by emailing [email protected]. To learn more, visit www.ed4consent.org or follow them on Instagram @ed4consent.