Comments

I’ve kept one comment because it kicks all kinds of ass.  It’s from ladymadonna and it’s quoted below.

Ok. Gonna comment here, seeing as how “talking about the boards on the boards” is frowned upon.

(Sorry. This is going to be long…)

Let me just post a scenario. Imagine a middle aged, white businessman. He is the epitome of everything you would imagine a successful man to be. He is dressed well, wears a nice watch, nice shoes, nice suit. The guy has been mugged, so imagine him on the stand at the trial of his alleged attacker:

DA (Defense Attorney for the mugger): Sir, please tell us what you make a year.

P (for Plaintiff): $300,000

DA: On the night of the attack, what were you wearing?

P: An Armani suit.

DA: I see. And what time was it?

P: About 10 PM.

DA: What had you been doing prior to the alleged attack?

P: I had a few drinks with some friends.

DA: Oh! So you were inebriated at the time of the alleged attack?

P: No. I had a few drinks but I wouldn’t say I was drunk!

DA: But you did have alcohol in your system?

P: Well, yes.

DA: I see. Ok, where were you at the time of the alleged attack?

P: At an ATM machine. I wanted some cash for a taxi.

DA: So, you were at an ATM, in public view, getting… how much cash?

P: About $200. I like to keep cash in my wallet.

DA: So, you keep cash in your wallet at all times? Isn’t that just inviting someone to rob you?

P: NO! Why would my carrying cash be an invitaion for robbery?

DA: Well, you obviously want to show people that you have money…

P: Well, I work hard for my money!

DA: Moving on… You were wearing an Armani suit… what else were you wearing?

P: Well, my Rolex, my wedding band…

DA: Ah! So you were flaunting your wealth.

P: No, I was just wearing what I normally do.

DA: Ok. Well, let the record show that you were wearing expensive clothes and accesories that clearly marked you as a wealthy man. Moving on, Mr. P, have you ever given money to charity?

P: Yes. I give to charities all the time.

DA: You do? How much do you give?

P: I believe in giving back to my community, so I give quite a bit.

DA: So, you have a history of giving a lot of money to random people.

P: Yes

DA: Well then, doesn’t it stand to reason that my client knew of this history and expected the same kind of “generosity”?

P: No! because I said no when he asked me!

DA: But he knew you had freely given money before, so he had an expectation that you would give it again. Given your history, I daresay he is right.

…. And so on and so forth. This is how rape victims are questioned in court. Their history is brought up, their character and reputation is destroyed. When you read it as a businessman who has “power” in society, you are outraged at his treatment. When you read it as a rape victim…….

This is why I can’t get behind any sort of victim blaming. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU DO. YOU ARE ALWAYS AT RISK SIMPLY FOR BEING FEMALE. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT A RAPE.

Except arm yourself with information and empathy. Rape is totally about power and not about sex. This is why we need to shout from the rooftops to everyone in the world that sexual violence is wrong.

And that’s all I have to say about that. [/Forrest Gump