http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/09/daisy-coleman-rape-case_n_4569706.html
I do not know how many people in this class have been following the Maryville case from it's onset, but since we are in Missouri, I think it is especially pertinent and distressing to the state and our community. The fact that sexual assault still occurs and the way that it is handled in our country is the most telling evidence that women are still not treated equally to men in our culture. In the most physical and base of way, women are denied their rights and their dignity.
However, needless to say the most horrifying part of this case was not just what happened but the community and legal institution's reaction to it. The fact that under such horrific circumstances, Daisy Coleman was called a liar and ridiculed to the point that she attempted to take her own life is a clear example that rape culture is incredibly alive in our country.
Now it appears that her rapist will get off with mere child endangerment charges. It is upsetting and what I view to be a real set back for what the feminist community works for. A true case of oppression.
Rebecca, thank you for posting this! I have also been keeping up with this case for awhile, but one thing that truly saddens me is how easily this story will be lost now that her rapist has been insufficiently charged. As you said, rape culture is still very alive in our country, and I think people will end up brushing this case under the rug and it will unfortunately continue to happen. Nevertheless, I think if we continue to educate our generation, as well as future generations, we can show how the rape culture still exists and how we can take an even stronger stand to attempt to end it.
ReplyDeleteI have read about this case, but didn't follow it and I find this post as a true case of oppression like you said. Also, many people are shocked to hear about the case the first time, but they become ignorant towards the case as the days pass by.
ReplyDeleteI actually have never even heard about this case, but this honestly is a perfect example of the oppression that is going on in the world that we live in.
ReplyDeleteThis also relates directly to the fact that the point of view of women is still seen as inferior to the point of view of men. I witness a similar problem while working at the state's attorney's office in which a domestic violence case was dismissed after hearing only the female victim's testimony because the judge viewed it as unreliable without even hearing another side. In cases such as sexual assault and domestic violence in which it comes down to his word against hers, it still seems that the man's word is more often accepted as true.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this entry, I was actually completely unaware of this case, so thank you for spreading the word. I think this story is an example of the continued gender prejudices under the law, which should be brought to the public's attention more often. Hopefully this will facilitate change. Also, I believe that young girls should be warned about things like date rape, as they are, sadly, not uncommon. It may be taboo to bring it up in some settings (and sometimes outright denied or ignored), but I believe the more these girls are educated, the better they may can protect themselves.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I can not say that I had heard about this case prior to this. I think this just goes to show why more women do not come forward when raped instead they choose to maybe seek counseling and just move forward with their lives. Being a victim twice is hard for anyone to handle and any age.
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