Why I won't be Watching the Watchmen

WARNING **SPOILER ALERT**: This post contains spoilers about the Watchmen graphic novel. I understand the film is a loyal adaptation of the novel, and secondary sources say the subject matter of this post IS in the film.

In the Watchmen, a male superhero attempts to rape a female superhero, and is stopped in the act by a third superhero. While the depiction of this scene would be enough to keep me from going to the film, it's not the part I really have a problem with. The twist of the story is that the victim in this attack later goes on to have consensual sex with her attacker, resulting in their superhero daughter.

I believe patriarchy and rape are closely intertwined. Well over 90% of reported rapes in the US have female victims, and 99% of attackers are male. (source) Rape is an expression of power, and the real long term damage to victims comes in the constant reminders that that power is tied directly to male-centric culture. We as a culture punish victims and glorify attackers every day, in many forms of media. The Watchmen graphic novel (and now film) an example. First of all, the attacker champions the idea - a cultural cliche - that "she wanted it all along," and the victim vindicates this destructive idea when she turns around years later and comes back to him. Second, the victim is portrayed as quietly noble, admitting to herself that "she wanted it all along." For her bowing to the power of this manifestation of male strength, she is rewarded with a strong, healthy daughter.

I believe any non-egalitarian system of oppression is morally wrong, and patriarchy is such a system. One of the ways I can fight against patriarchal power is by standing up against rape culture, and I believe this film supports rape culture. We need to have serious discussions about rape, not films about superheros embodying patriarchal mythology. I will not be spending any money on this film, and I urge any readers of this post to do the same.