Consent Question

We’ve been talking a lot about the huge fallout of consent/rape issues in the new Seth Rogan movie ‘Observe and Report’ here on Feministing and elsewhere.
The issue with that scene is consent, and whether it ever occurred. I’m not going to rehash the clip, but I would like to bring up a similar instance of ‘questionable’ consent.
I was watching Sex and The City on tv last night while cooking and it was the episode where Miranda meets the handsome cop after Carrie gets mugged. She is nervous on her date with him and proceeds to get very very smashed on probably more than 4 double vodka martinis. After their date, they head to her place. She’s slurring her speech and they’re making out. She tells him “You’re probably the most beautiful man I’ve ever slept with”. He says, “You’re not so bad yourself. You’re a little drunk.” (Something along those lines)
Miranda then rips off his tie and yells, “I’m no Mena Suvari but I’m great in bed!” and drags him into the bedroom.
What would be the consent situation here? She wasn’t puking or passed out, but she did take the initiative. Could it be argued that the alcohol lowered her inhibitions and she wasn’t making the best decision with a clear mind? It’s such a gray area with that and the stupid Seth Rogan movie it’s left me thinking about it ever since I saw the clip…..

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

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