Game Of Thrones: Rape Myths Between Men And Women

According to Kahlor and Eastin, general television consumption is “related significantly to first and second order rape myths among men and women” (Kahlor and Eastin, 217). Sex-related crimes account for 10% of all dialogue on television programs related to sex, and “most of it (80%) is found in fictional programs” (Kahlor and Eastin, 217). HBO’s Game of Thrones is no stranger to controversy concerning its depiction of women and sexual violence. Recently, the head writers of the show, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, have received harsh criticism and backlash from female fans for their unnecessary use of rape as a plot device, particularly after an episode that aired early last year. In episode six of season five, entitled “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken,”

Dany was flushed and breathless, her heart fluttering in her chest. He cupped her face in his huge hands and looked into his eyes. “No?” he said, and she knew it was a

The question Graves overlooks, however, is whether a nonconsensual sexual act can “become consensual,” especially when one partner is physically overpowered by the other (Ferreday, 29). The scene also reinforces the idea that consent is not willfully given by a woman, but “must taken from them by force or coercion” (Yarde). Jaime’s actions in the show also spark confusion because the audience believes he thinks rape is abhorrent. In season three, he saves Brienne of Tarth from gang rape, and in the same episode professes that if he too were a woman, he would fight to the death before being raped (“Walk of Punishment”). Most consensual sex depicted in the series is between a heterosexual man and a prostitute, implying that “money, power, and social advancement” are the “dominant reasons for a woman to consent to sex” (Ferreday). However, throughout the series’ five seasons, there is a lack of men threatening each other with sexual violence, aside from Theon’s mutilation, yet female characters “endure rape threats, and actual rape” constantly (Gentry). When approached on the subject of noncanon rape scenes, George R.R. Martin had no comment, claiming the show is an adaptation of his books, and are thus “in the hands of others” (Flood). Game of Thrones is known for being one of the most shocking and unpredictable television programs, but as of late,