Joel Stein’s latest column for TIME, “Date Night, Notarized,” was tolerable. It’s a good idea for couples to have a discussion about what each partner wants and needs. Stein mentions that he wishes to have sex more often:
“I got about halfway through my first request, which required exposing my feelings and the deepest parts of my psyche, when Cassandra rudely interrupted: “I feel extremely objectified,” she said, referring to my request to improve our intimacy.”
At the end of the article, Stein goes on to say that “And, though I didn’t technically get all the clauses I wanted, I did stipulate that on date night, she has to drink a lot.” Referencing his earlier (and, it’s implied, REJECTED) suggestion to his wife that they have more intimate time together, his closing sentence clearly advocates coercing one’s partner into sexual activity by making them intoxicated.
That sentence publicly supports rape culture and, in particular, date and marital rape. Seeing that sentence in print was frightening. I sent a letter to TIME (there’s a link at the article if you click the author’s name), and you should too!
One Comment
This is a tough one because she is consenting to drink, knows he said this, and is in a married relationship with him.
Is it really so different then anything else we do to get our partners in the mood? E.g., taking them out, foreplay, watching a romanic movie or porn, etc.
I don’t know the answer but his statement doesn’t offend me.