By snoadmin
The phrase “no means no” is one that many people are familiar with. Mike Domitrz wants to change this to “do we ask?”
He spoke to a full room of students, including sororities and athletes, about the topics of kissing, alcohol and rape in his program, “Can I Kiss You?” in the University Student Union Ballroom Monday night.
“I had no clue what this was going to be about,” said biology major Mena Iskander.
“Why don’t we ask before we kiss?” Domitrz asked the audience. Some people in the audience responded by saying that it’s the man’s job, a girl can be labeled as a slut, and the fear of rejection.
Domitrz continued by explaining how powerful the word “slut” can be on a female. He joked about the fact that women commonly use the word with each other, but because the word has such an impact, it can keep them from asking the question, “Can I kiss you?”
He switched to a more serious topic when he began talking about his own sister being raped.
“To the survivors in here, I am honored to be in your presence,” Domitrz said. He emphasized that rape victims are survivors as he discussed his book, “Voices of Courage,” in which 12 assault victims talked about their lives and experiences.
“No rapist will decide how I will live my life,” said Domitrz, quoting from his book.
He discussed the importance of watching out for a friend when they are drinking and compared alcohol to a date rape drug.
Later in the program, Domitrz spoke about “opening the door.” He explained that this was his strategy of making sure that friends know that they are there for each other. Domitrz told the audience to tell their friends, “If anybody ever has or ever does sexually assault you, I am always here for you.”
“It was a very eye-opening experience and I am definitely going to open the door to my friends and family,” said Cal State Long Beach student Amanda Stone.
