Camille Paglia, interviewed by Celia Farber

Camille Paglia is the author of the controversial books Sexual Personae and Sex, Art, and American Culture. In the following viewpoint, which is excerpted from a two-part interview by Celia Farber for Spin magazine, Paglia maintains that women must accept their responsibility for rape. According to Paglia, rape is a risk that comes with the freedom to experience life at its fullest. A woman must avoid dangerous situations if she does not want to be raped, Paglia argues.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Paglia, why are women the dominant sex?
2. How does rape compare to murder, in Paglia’s opinion?
3. What is the main quality women have that they are not using, in Paglia’s view"

Part One

Paglia: I’m noticing that many...