Last month, the LA Times published an article chronicling the release of bacon condoms by manufacturers J&D. The condoms have become so popular, in fact, that it appears they are now out of stock on the company's website. These condoms are but another product produced by a major company meant to attract buyers. And it’s working.

While bacon condoms in themselves might convey a unique, if slightly amusing, idea toward consumers, possibly creating a market in which a genuine desire for bacon condoms may well result, it is critical to ask how this product, and products similar to it, are changing young adults’ approaches to sex across the country.

Additionally, how these products are shaping the prevailing attitudes of teenagers and college students regarding safe sex practices must be thoroughly evaluated, particularly in light of the shocking rape in Steubenville, the suicide of Audrie Pott after she was sexually battered and the death of Rehteah Parsons following her own suicide attempt after being sexually assaulted and harassed.

Opinion pieces all over the web are demanding that America change its attitude about rape. Leslie Marshall’s s U.S. News article states:

Only 1 in 10 rapes is reported. That means that the assailants in at least 90 percent of the rapes in our society still live and walk among us; free to rape again.

These numbers are staggering. Why are so few rapes reported? And what does that say about America?

We, as a society, need to reassess the ways in which sex is addressed, most especially unwanted sex – including rape and sexual misconduct in any form. Companies that produce products that make light of sexual intercourse are influencing how people view sex, and subsequently rape, whether it be through the release of bacon condoms or by other means, in ways they may not even be aware of.

It is of the utmost importance that we Americans speak up and out about issues that are affecting our nation. By doing so, we have the power to ignite meaningful adjustments in the way products are sold and marketed, which stores carry such products and how social media and other corporations operate around the subject of sex, which in turn directly alters the perceptions all Americans have on sex as a whole.

Without a doubt, the suicide of two teenage girls within the past year from rape is unacceptable. We need to start taking sex seriously. We need to end this horrific trend of silence in the face of rape and speak now because tomorrow, it may be too late.

Reach Contributor Kathryn van Handroff here.