Recently four college students have created a nail polish that will change color when it detects certain types of date rape drugs. The four students are from North Carolina State University and their invention can detect drugs such as Rohypnol, Xanax and GHB. The product is called Undercover Colors and it will change color with a quick finger stir of a contaminated drink.
Their new invention is receiving high praise and has many people eager to purchase it; however, some rape prevention activists are withholding their support. In an article on Think Process, activists are saying that products such as this place responsibility on the woman and it projects the idea that women have to change their behavior to avoid assault and that shouldn’t fall on them. They believe that by adding to the “checklist” of things that women need to do to avoid assault, society is reinforcing a pervasive rape culture.
This reaction views the product as a responsibility when it should be viewed as a tool of empowerment. Now I am not suggesting that women should completely let their guard down simply because they have a fresh coat of polish on; however, this is a way to allow individuals to feel as though they are active in protecting themselves. Just as we are all taught to cover our drinks, watch the bartender make it and never put your drink down, we now have one more method to use as a step toward self-defense. We are constantly being reminded to stay in groups and be wary, but as many of us know once out in the crowded bars with a few drinks down the hatchet this is not always as easily achieved. The simple and premeditated decision to wear this new nail polish is one comfort we can have just in case you find yourself shy of your girlfriends for a few moments.
It is not the entire concept of responsibility that I disagree with rather the way they apply it. I do not place the burden of sexual abuse on women — I think it is each person’s responsibility to make decisions and take precautions to keep themselves safe. Regardless of gender, when you are out in social and public environments, especially when alcohol is involved, it is your sole responsibility to look out for yourself. Any product out there that can facilitate that should not be viewed as a burden but as an aide. While I do agree that it is necessary for society to focus on changing the cultural perception of rape and assault, if there are products out there that can help keep people aware and possibly protected, such as Undercover Colors, then they deserve the support they are getting.