The issue of sexual assault in general and rape specifically is getting a long overdue airing in the mainstream media. Like virtually anything of social consequence, its time in the spotlight will pass, but in the meantime we — or at least people weary of the issue being marginalized and the women who raise the issue not being taken seriously — can be grateful for a confluence of events. These include increased scrutiny of sexual assault in the Armed Forces and on college campuses, and now a bit of a kerfuffle over the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones.”

“Games of Thrones” is chockablock with sexuality, some of it particularly brutal. This includes a warrior king deflowering his child bride, the brother of a noblewoman forcing her to have sex with him, and the gang rape of a young woman. That’s just for starter.

The series is based on fantasy novels by George R. R., Martin, who somewhat predictably tells The New York Times that he “has an obligation to tell the truth” and notes that rape and sexual violence have been a part of every war ever. “We are the monsters. (And the heroes too). Each of us has within himself the capacity for great good, and great evil.”

Do you think “Game of Thrones” glorifies sexual violence?

I get the first word: I suppose that I am the rare bird who is bored by “Games of Thrones,” which seems to me to be an endless replay of many of the themes in The Lord of the Rings movies and the J. R. R. Tolkien books on which they are based. I find the sexual violence off-putting, but what really troubles me is that this is yet another on-screen fantasy that will appeal to men who demean women — and worse.

You get the last word.