Rape culture exists in North America

Through discussions with Pro in the comments, we have agreed to change the parameters of the debate. We both agree that rape culture does exist in North America. However, where we differ is in the belief of the size of the population who support rape culture. The new agreed-upon statement of debate is: A significant minority of people in America support rape culture. We also agreed on the following definitions: Significant Minority = over 25% of a population Support = to promote the interests or cause of http://www.merriam-webster.com... Pro's comments in Round 1 still stand, however they are now directed towards the new statement of debate. I will begin my arguments here. ----------------------------------------------------- While the threat of rape is particularly disturbing, the messages that were sent to these people were across the internet. While this doesn't dismiss what was said, what people say across the internet can be less thought out. People tend to vent their emotions a lot more and it can be extreme, it can be something they'd never do in real life. When I, for example, come across an informal opponent who is intellectually dishonest, arrogant, or a downright liar, I turn into a horrible person. I am incredibly condescending when such happens. But I'd never do that sort of thing in reality; it was merely a vent for my frustration. It's likely that most of the rape threats are similar. All three of the people you have talked about have provoked their comments (albeit the response is quite the overreaction). The first came out saying she felt that she was sexualised and was offended because she was offered coffee by a man and spoke about sexual assault in her community, the second has said many things - such as sexism cannot occur to men - and the third had complained that a man has replaced a woman on the five pound note. Due to the nature of the internet, these things were likely taken and debate was had about them. Things spiralled out of control and feelings grew stronger and stronger about the issue - this is for both sides. The rape threats and the death threats would be a rather extreme way of showing the people's rage against the three women, just as my condescension of many is a form of expression of my frustration. Hence, it is likely that these rape threats were - for the most part - not legitimate threats, but rather expressions of hatred. It is without a doubt that these threats are abhorrent and that there are some legitimate threats and wishes being expressed, though it is hard to tell which out of all are true. The current extent I have seen from your sources is one person having their home broken into and being viciously assaulted. I have not seen evidence for these rape threats coming in fruition. ----------------------------------------------------- To summarise, people often say things on the internet they don't mean, or rather they go to extremes in order to express the feelings they have. It is unlikely that all those who said what they did necessarily -wanted- such to happen but were expressing hatred and discontent by going to such extremes, similar to how I use condescension to show my frustration and how some use the drinking of bleach as a response to seeing something they find cringey.