How do the allegations against Aziz Ansari underscore the gray area surrounding gender
dynamics, coercion, consent, and sexual assault?
Sometimes, people say yes to sex and then realize right before or during that they no
longer want to engage in it. During these times, a lot of people still continue to go through with it
because they feel like they have to. In the article, “When Saying ‘Yes’ Is Easier Than Saying
‘No,’” she states, “Sometimes “yes” means “no,” simply because it is easier to go through with it
than explain our way out of the situation.” The article also goes on to say that some men think
“no” is negotiable and that coercion is a regular part of sex. Coercion can occasionally lead to
consent; but does this mean that it is right? No!! No means no! “In one study, 61 percent of men
said they rely on nonverbal cues to indicate whether a partner consents, while only 10 percent of
women said they actually give consent via body language.” Consent should be verbal and
communicated between both parties involved.
The situation with Aziz Ansari is underscoring a gray area with coercion, consent, etc.
The woman accusing him, “Grace”, said that it was the worst night of her life. After a date, she