In light of the Emerald’s anti-sexual violence PSA released on May 12, we at the Siren Magazine, the only feminist publication on campus, feel the need to share our thoughts regarding the video and its implications.

Putting an end to sexual violence requires a radical rethinking of societal institutions and norms; it is not as simple as proclaiming, “Let’s all learn to respect each other,” and proceeding to dance in the streets, as the Emerald staff members do in the PSA. The portrayal of sexual violence as an issue capable of being remedied by little more than respect and positive attitudes is reductive — and rather insensitive. Sexual violence is nothing to dance about, to sing about, or to make more accessible through humor. It is a serious problem and should be treated as such. That said, we feel that this aspect of the video belittles the gravity of survivors’ situations, as well as the efforts of so many students and activists to bring an end to this epidemic.

In addition, we wholeheartedly object to the video’s final image, in which the words “EXPECT MORE” appear on the screen. This message implies that we, as survivors and potential victims, do not expect enough respect from our peers, when the real issue is that our peers, whether intentionally or not, are committing acts of sexual violence. One could hope for a mountain of respect from whomever they encounter, but expectations — as so many survivors know — have little to no effect on perpetrators who are determined to get their way. Essentially, the message encourages survivors and at-risk students to “expect more” respect, rather than encouraging potential perpetrators to give more respect, and this is a subtle form of victim-blaming — an issue that has been especially prominent during recent events.

We at the Siren and the Women’s Center understand that the PSA was conceived with the best intentions in mind. We appreciate your efforts to shed light on an important health issue, and we agree with your assertion that all students should be able to enjoy an environment free of sexual violence and harassment. That being said, we hope the Emerald will seek out and consider the input of Women’s Center staff in the publication’s next endeavor to focus on an issue like this.