all I said was "rape is rape"

[lizziebelle]

I posted on Facebook that rape is rape, and I am shocked (and frankly appalled) at the number of people, all women mind you, who are defending Roman Polanski. I didn't say anything about how the victim (and remember, she *was* a victim) feels about it. I didn't say anything about his being arrested, or about his conviction, or anything like that. Just, "rape is rape." Oh, and it's also statutory rape, and it's against the law. It's shaken me, to say the least. Do they even realize what they're saying? Rape is *never* OK, no matter who you are.

jimhines has posted a thoughtful piece from the perspective of a rape counselor. Go read it.

wordweaverlynn posted a link to a piece on the Hollywood apologists. Also thought-provoking reading.

I really don't care (and can understand, a little) that the victim (remember her?) wants this to go away. That's not what I'm objecting to. I also don't much care about how/where/why they arrested him, or the deal he made with the judge, or any of that. Here's what I care about:

1. The girl was *13* fricken years old
2. She said *no*
3. He was *convicted*
4. He *fled the country*

That's all.

Comments

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

It's not up to the victim whether prosecution happens, which in the case of rape is an especially good thing. Often the victims are afraid to testify, or pressured to believe it's their fault.

[sandwell.livejournal.com]

er, indeed. which is why i made the note 1 about a crime only being a crime if it's reported - it's widely known that rape especially is under*reported*, never mind those cases where it's reported but which never go to trial. that doesn't make it right.