Opinion: There Are Few “Real” Rapists, but Many Ordinary Men Who Commit Rape

This opinion piece argues that rape is rarely committed by stereotypical violent offenders and instead is often carried out by ordinary men within everyday social contexts. The author frames sexual violence as a structural and cultural problem rooted in male norms, entitlement, and misunderstandings of consent, rather than individual criminal pathology. The article emphasizes changing attitudes and redefining masculinity, and supports a broad interpretation of rape that aligns with contemporary consent norms. Legal complexity, evidentiary challenges, and risks to due process are largely secondary to the article’s moral and cultural argument.