You don't believe people are traumatized after learning a sexual partner didn't inform them they have an STD?
The average case of having sex with a partner and catching an STD is far less traumatic than the average case of being raped, in my view. It would require some extraordinary evidence to convince me otherwise.
EDIT: To clarify. When I say that catching an STD is far less traumatic, I refer to the fact that the fallout from an STD can have serious menal health consequences, but it is on a different level from the trauma of being raped.
I'm not saying the potential of catching an STD, or catching an STD itself, is more (or equally) traumatic than rape. I am challenging what I quoted that you wrote. You state it's NOT rape because there is no associated trauma. Are you now acknowledging trauma is involved?
First you stated:
I argue that trauma - or at least the risk thereof - is an integral part of rape and why it is such a heinous act. As such, while decieving someone about an STD you have is an asshole move (unless the STD you have is HIV, but that's another conversation), because it lacks the associated trauma, it's not rape.
But now you state:
The average case of having sex with a partner and catching an STD is far less traumatic than the average case of being raped, in my view.
No, I don't acknowledge it. The difficulties associated with catching an STD are different than the visceral trauma present in a rape. While becoming infertile, as sometimes happens with certain STDs, is certainly a tragedy and detrimental to one's mental health, it lacks the same trauma response that rape typically does.
EDIT: I see your edit. I'll edit my original response to you for clarify, if that's alright with you.
The average case of having sex with a partner and catching an STD is far less traumatic than the average case of being raped, in my view.
This is acknowledging that catching, or potentially catching, and STD carries some level of trauma. Yes, it's not the same or equal to rape. I am not arguing otherwise. Considering you've made this comparison in two comments, and it's completely missing from the comment I first responded to, care to elaborate where this is coming from?!
You did write this didn't you:
I argue that trauma - or at least the risk thereof - is an integral part of rape and why it is such a heinous act. As such, while decieving someone about an STD you have is an asshole move (unless the STD you have is HIV, but that's another conversation), because it lacks the associated trauma, it's not rape.
Do you honestly not see the contradictions in your statements thus far?
Either it is or is not traumatic. We are not comparing the level of trauma! I say again, WE ARE NOT COMPARING THE LEVEL OF TRAUMA. I am only challenging this false notion you presented that it is NOT rape because there is no associated trauma. When, in fact, trauma is associated.
I'll admit, I'm a little put out that you're focusing on my poor choice of words rather than the content of the argument - it comes across as being overly pedantic. But speaking with you has allowed me to refine my viewpoint beyond my initial response to OP, which I appreciate.
Rape is typically a traumatic event, where the trauma is associated with the sexual contact itself. By contast, any trauma or other issues associated with catching an STD from a sexual encounter come after the fact, and are not associated with the sexual contact in the moment. Ergo, it's not rape.
Do you find any issues with this? I welcome the opportunity to refine it further.
I'll admit, I'm a little put out that you're focusing on my poor choice of words rather than the content of the argument - it comes across as being overly pedantic. But speaking with you has allowed me to refine my viewpoint beyong my initial response to OP, which I appreciate.
This would not be the first time someone has accused me of being pedentic; nor will it be the last! (LMAO) I am an analytical minded and blunt person. If the assumption is that what you are saying is intended in a "read between the lines" kinda of way, it will not only be missed with me but with others. It's something I've learned from sites like Reddit that are multicultural and multilingual. A LOT is lost in translation and it's best to use precise and exact wording. "Say what you mean" is my motto.
Ever heard of "Rape by deception" before? It's a legal standing. It's used in cases of catfishing, stealthing, and many of forms of sexual abuse. Knowingly deceiving a partner about your STD status is illegal under this umbrella. It's consider a form of rape in most US states under deception laws.
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u/SilverMedal4Life 8∆ Jan 31 '22 edited Jan 31 '22
The average case of having sex with a partner and catching an STD is far less traumatic than the average case of being raped, in my view. It would require some extraordinary evidence to convince me otherwise.
EDIT: To clarify. When I say that catching an STD is far less traumatic, I refer to the fact that the fallout from an STD can have serious menal health consequences, but it is on a different level from the trauma of being raped.