‘Date Rape,’ the Song, Stirs Much Debate

“Date Rape” is the not-exactly subtle title for a not-exactly subtle song by Long Beach’s wacky ska-punk band Sublime.

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The song is from the trio’s 1992 debut, “40 Oz. to Freedom,” but it only recently became one of the most requested tracks on Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM and other “modern rock” outlets across the country. The band, whose albums are on a tiny independent label, had escaped KROQ’s attention until recently. But the song finally caught someone’s ear there and when they played it once, the request calls from listeners came in droves.

The frothy number tells the story of a man who rapes a woman on a date. He ends up in court for the incident, is convicted, put in prison for a 25-year term and, in an instant act of karmic retribution, is himself violated by an inmate.

The eye-for-an-eye tale is sung in a goofy cadence by singer-guitarist Brad Nowell, and like the album’s other songs, is chock-full of slapstick lyrics and ecstatically bouncy, charged rhythms.

While the song conveys in simple, satirical terms that date rape is wrong, you can’t help wonder exactly why Nowell chose such a weighty topic for what is ultimately a fluffy novelty song.

“Probably just ‘cause a certain word rhymed with another,” explains the singer. “And from there, the song just took its course. There is no great message. Sorry, I’m just not a very deep guy.”

Regardless, it has provoked reactions with its buzz-wordplay. The problem, though, is that while “Date Rape” can’t be simply written off as a mere party tune, as Nowell implies, it does not explore the topic deeply or articulately enough to provide a clear point of view.

Sublime’s intentions seem good, but sitting on the morally responsible side of a subject, such as rape, doesn’t give the band license to play around with the topic.

“I think we should ask why this song is on KROQ,” says Du Vergne Gaines, coordinator of the Feminist Majority’s Rock for Choice organization. “What has caused it to come to the forefront? Because it’s not exactly a great tune. I can’t help but think it’s because of its incredibly provocative nature, and somehow it’s playing with our sentiments illegitimately. It’s trying too hard to become something it never becomes. It’s P.C. and not P.C. all in one, but unlike Nirvana’s ‘Rape Me,’ it cuts no new ground.”

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But, like many, Dr. Drew Pinsky, the co-host of KROQ’s “Love Line” phone-in show, finds some merit in the tune.

“I like the song,” says Pinsky, an internist and substance abuse specialist who dispenses advice on sex, relationships and mental and physical health to a largely teen-age audience. “My take on the song is that it very clearly discusses the consequences of date rape--the perpetrator ends up in jail and gets raped himself. To me, there’s a message there. It shows that date rape is not OK.”

Real world statistics, however, indicate that rapists don’t generally suffer those consequences. Studies cited by the Feminist Majority claim that the vast majority of rapes committed are never reported, and of those that are, only a small percentage results in a conviction of the perpetrator.

But most important to Pinsky is that the song, by design or otherwise, is reaching an audience that needs to address this subject.

“I think it’s a very effective way to reach adolescents--to demystify and use humor to make the material more approachable,” he says. “I’m sure most adolescents, because of the way they think, would assume (date rape) would never happen to them or that they would never perpetrate it. They don’t think of it as realistic or even relevant to them or their peers. This song makes the subject accessible.”

But at what price, asks Karen Glauber, post-modern editor at the music trade magazine Hits. She has been outspoken, both in print and in computer on-line discussions, about the skewed morality of the song.

“It’s a lame ska song to start with,” Glauber says. “But the main reason I don’t like it is that while it’s labeled an anti-date rape song, it says the only consequences of rape are that you’ll go to jail and get (raped). It’s like you shouldn’t rape a girl for no other reason than you will get (raped.)

“The basic moral to the story is that violence begets violence instead of, ‘Respect women--don’t do this because she is your equal, your peer.’ It’s not the best message out there for kids.”

* Sublime plays at 4 p.m. Sunday on Stage 5 at Beach Fest ‘95, Shoreline Park, Shoreline Drive and Pine Avenue, Long Beach. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Tickets for today are $10 at the gate. Tickets for Sunday are $10 (advance) and $15 (at the gate). (310) 436-7727.