The Culture of Silence Amongst Rape Victims and Its Challenge: A Study of Alter Ego and Tales of Lucy

Abstract

The culture of silence is a worrisome trend evident amongst rape victims due to stigmatization from family and the society. These victims through a conscious effort adopts silence to protect their reputation rather than be labeled victims of rape. The erroneous attitude posed towards rape victims forms their culture of silence which becomes a negative consequence and an after effect of rape which is harmful and accounts for traumatic symptoms such as flash backs, nights mares and depression. This paper critiques the representation of the culture of silence amongst rape victims by analyzing two Nollywood films Alter Ego and Tales of Lucy. The research method applied for this paper is the qualitative research method and the tool used is the content analysis, through a dissection of the culture of silence captured in the films. This work is anchored on Noelle Neumann’s spiral of silence process which induces fear of isolation and propels the victims to constantly assess opinion climate and often to change his or her opinion in accordance with the perceived major opinion of the public. This work concludes that fear of isolation, stigmatization, reprisal attacks are identified reasons why rape victims accede to the culture of silence. This research therefore recommends care and responsive support from family, friends of rape victims in order to help victims recuperate from such harrowing experience and make them perform optimally.

Keywords

References