Rape vs. consensual sex

The line between consensual sex and rape should be clearly defined. Unfortunately, there are so many myths about rape, and many people think that rape is sometimes okay! To many people, the line between consensual sex and rape is blurry, and today's sexualized culture is not making things any better. Pornography may portray rape as something that is "sexy," but that, like many of the things portrayed in pornography, sets unrealistic expectations that harm people.
In a time where BSDM is getting more and more popular, understanding the difference between rape and consensual sex is especially important. New Wave Feminists recently posted an article that was basically arguing that BSDM = rape cuture. I don't agree. However, the writer does make some interesting points. Consider the conversation about "safe words," about how "stop" isn't a good "safe word" because some people will say "stop" when they really mean "keep doing that, but I'm not going to say that because it doesn't sound as sexy." That message can easily be taken the wrong way. She also argues that men are taught that it's okay to be aroused by inflicting pain on someone. Again, that message can also easily be taken the wrong way.
But just because those messages could be taken the wrong way, that doesn't mean that consensual BSDM is wrong. What it means is that people need to know the boundary between consensual sex and rape. Communication is extremely important. Couples should talk openly about what they do and don't like, and what "safe words" to use. A person must respect his/her partner's feelings, too. There is a huge difference between a person inflicting pain on their partner because they want their partner to be in physical and/or emotional pain, and a person inflicting pain on their partner because their partner enjoys that sort of thing and they want their partner to be sexually satisfied. If the people engaging in the sexual activity both enjoy whatever they're doing, fine. It's not my business.
I think if people knew the difference between consensual sex and rape, and if people knew how to communicate, things would improve. But nooooo, people are either too prude to think about this stuff, or too perverted to care.