Asking for It

Synopsis

The line between sexual consent and sexual coercion is not always as clear as it seems -- and according to Harry Brod, this is exactly why we should approach our sexual interactions with great care. Brod, a professor of philosophy and leader in the pro-feminist men's movement, offers a unique take on the problem of sexual assault, one that complicates the issue even as it clarifies the bottom-line principle that consent must always be explicitly granted, never simply assumed. In a nonthreatening, non-hectoring discussion that ranges from the meanings of "yes" and "no" to the indeterminacy of silence to the way alcohol affects our ethical responsibilities, Brod challenges young people to envision a model of sexual interaction that is most erotic precisely when it is most thoughtful and empathetic. Ideal for classes in gender studies, communication, and sociology, and especially useful for extracurricular programs and workshops.

Release Date:2010

Duration:38 min

ISBN:1-932869-47-6

Subtitles:English

Trailers

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Filmmaker Credits

Directed & Edited by

Sut Jhally

Associate Producers

Scott Morris & Jason Young

Director of Photography

Tom Robertson

Additional Cameras

Andrew Killoy, Scott Morris & Jason Young

Sound

Andy Turrett

Production Assistance

Loretta Alper

Resources: Downloads and Related Links

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Praise

"In this documentary film, an exploration of sexual consent challenges common assumptions about how partners communicate their willingness or unwillingness to engage in sexual activity. ...An especially unique and refreshing element of this documentary is Dr. Brod's emphasis on the positive consequences of promoting an affirmative consent standard. Arguing that many sexual assault prevention efforts have been ineffective largely because of their anti-sex undertones, Dr. Brod offers an alternative perspective. He suggests that only in the presence of affirmative consent can partners enjoy a fully erotic experience characterized by intimacy, mutuality, and sexual communication. ...This film strongly promotes a safe and responsible approach to sexual consent without glossing over the challenges and complexities of consent and without taking a blaming or sex-negative stance. This film is recommended for sexual assault prevention education with young adults or as a resource for classes on gender and sexuality. It also could be a useful training video for sexual assault prevention advocates who would like to improve the effectiveness of their message."

- Tiffany M. Mueller and Zoe D. Peterson,
Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Journal of Sex Research

"An excellent film to bring men into the conversation. Brod comes off as wise, nonjudgmental, and almost fatherly when giving advice to the male students in his audience. The way in which he sets up his line of argument about the importance of adopting an affirmative consent standard would make it very difficult, I think, for anyone not to seriously consider what he is advocating. The film provides some concrete solutions and a way to move forward. Particularly refreshing is Brod's insistence that men's actions are an important part of addressing the problem of acquaintance rape. Ultimately, [this film addresses] important issues surrounding sexual boundaries, ethics, and issues of consent, and both men and women would benefit from viewing [Asking For It]. [Asking for It] would no doubt spark lively and intense discussion among students."

- Amy Leisenring
San Jose State University
Teaching Sociology

"Asking for It is an interesting and useful continuation to the conversation about sexual conduct on campus and between young people. Brod is a comfortable and commanding speaker... and it is informative to see a philosopher take on a practical ethical/legal issue of this sort. The film would be very appropriate viewing for all incoming college freshmen, and it would generate some lively analysis and debate in the classroom. Suitable for mature high school classes and for college courses in cultural anthropology, anthropology of gender, and American studies, as well as general audiences."

- Jack David Eller
Anthropology Review Database