Issue and Opposition: Sexual assault on women is a global problem as the #Metoo movement has highlighted. Dictatorial regimes in many Latin American countries have resulted in the oppression of their people, especially women. Rape is, therefore, often used as a political weapon to suppress voices of protest and instigate fear among dissenters. Additionally, the patriarchal societies in most Latin American countries often create unsafe environments for women. While there might be laws against sexual harassment of women, these are hardly ever implemented effectively. Around 2018, Argentina saw mass demonstrations at the grassroots level after the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl named Chiara Paez. The activists popularized the hashtag #NiUnaMenos (Not One Less) during these protests against Argentina’s misogynistic society and culture. Although it failed to gain as much popularity as the MeToo hashtag, its limited success created awareness among the public about the injustice against women. A group of four women formed La Tesis meaning “the theses” pointing to the feminist theories. The group was based in Chile but their message against the sexual assault of women was for all Latin American countries.
Dilemma Action: Las Tesis created a song to sing during protests, called “The Rapist Is You”, and incorporated dance moves as well. After going viral online, it was replicated in South American countries and the United States. As the song became famous among women activists, some began singing it blindfolded with black or green scarves. The song extended support to activists demanding legal abortion. Some others wore party dresses when they sang, highlighting that questions such as “Oh but what was she wearing” were meaningless and insulting to rape victims. Yet others sang it topless to underscore the importance of women’s rights over their own bodies or body autonomy.
Outcome: The chant attracted more followers, and a good amount of international media attention, and was replicated by several feminist groups in various countries. While this dilemma action could not stop the sexual harassment of women, it empowered the feminist movement. There was no reaction from the government and law enforcement. It was after all only a group of women singing!