Episode 30: Gorilla, Rape Culture, & the Role of Parents

Tesi and Leslie get a little heated, a tiny bit soap box-y, and a whole lot passionate on Episode 30 in which they tackle the headlines. The women pause to consider the magnifying glass that was placed on the mother at the Cincinnati Zoo as her toddler tumbled into the ape enclosure and discuss how, as mothers, our generation can help put a stop to the rape culture that's all too prevalent in our country. As they discuss the zoo incident and the sentence just doled out to a rapist in California, the women try their best to navigate the incredibly difficult world we inhabit. Through their conversation they mince no words, but do their best to arrive at a place of productive rage and overall love.

Here are a few ways that moms (and dads) can help turn the tide of rape culture discussed on today's episode:

• Talk to your kids about sex
• Implement a firm "no means no policy" while rough-housing, tickling, wrestling, or any other physical play
• Encourage children to practice their "no" ... and then honor it
• Stop telling our daughters that "teasing" (pulling hair, etc.) is a sign that someone "likes" you
• Stop assigning boyfriends/girlfriends to young children
• When age appropriate, talk about the definition of consent
• Discuss with your children the media's portrayal of criminals through images and the use of language in describing victims and perpetrators
• Notice together how race and class can distort our system of justice

How to find hope, Mama Bears? Listen to the end of the episode for a list of what keeps Leslie and Tesi clinging to the idea that good can prevail. 

For complete show notes, head to www.mamabeardarespodcast.com/dare to listen.