Nail Polish Roofie Detector 'Undercover Colors' Slammed by Critics; Rape Prevention Activists Claim it Actually Promotes Rape Culture; Could the Polish Fuel Victim Blaming?

Four male undergraduate college students from North Carolina State University have recently created a nail polish that is able to detect date-rape drugs. The polish, named "Undercover Colors," works by changing colors in the presence of common date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol, Xanax, and GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid). In order to see if there are any drugs present in a beverage, fingernails painted by "Undercover Colors" are used to stir the drink and the resulting nail polish color can be observed afterwards.

According to the Washington Post, the inventors of the nail polish said they wanted to focus on preventative solutions, "especially those that could be integrated into products that women already use." However, many activists in the fight against sexual violence have criticized the nail polish. Tracey Vitchers, the board chair for Students Active for Ending Rape (SAFER), told ThinkProgress, "I think that anything that can help reduce sexual violence from happening is, in some ways, a really good thing...But I think we need to think critically about why we keep placing the responsibility for preventing sexual assault on young women."

Tara Culp-Ressler of ThinkProgress wrote, "well intentioned products like anti-rape nail polish can actually end up fueling victim blaming," bringing up the possibility that women choosing not to use the nail polish could end up being criticized for failing to do everything they can to prevent being raped. The Guardian's Jessica Valenti also critiqued the nail polish, saying, "I'm appreciative that young men want to curb sexual assault, but anything that puts the onus to 'discreetly' keep from being raped misses the point."

Critics of the nail polish have argued that improving education around sexual assault would be more helpful than introducing date-rape prevention manicures. In truth, though date rape drugs can facilitate sexual assault, they are not the actual cause.

There is currently no timeline on when the nail polish will be available on the market, as money for the company is still being raised. However, the young men behind "Undercover Colors" encourage support and advocacy for "Men Can Stop Rape" an advocacy and education organization focusing on men's roles in preventing sexual assault.