Rape is not only prevalent in America, it is the only
crime “in which the victim has to prove her innocence,” according to author
Alina Klein. Consider the following
statistics:
- According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are over 89,000 rapes reported every year.
- Since many victims don’t report their assaults, the Bureau estimates that there are over 300,000 rapes occurring every year.
- Women stand a 1:5 chance of being raped in their lifetime.
- The United States ranks 13th in the world for crimes of rape.
So my question to you this week is, “Do you think
individuals who use social media to broadcast crimes, are just as responsible
as the person committing the crime?
Should they face the same punishment?”
I also want to know what you were taught about rape growing up: Ladies – we’ve probably all been told not to accept
drinks from others, walk alone late at night and/or wear revealing
clothes. That doesn’t get at the heart
of the issue. Guys – I’d love to hear
more about what you’ve been taught growing up about rape and sexual assault as
well. How will we teach our daughters,
sisters and nieces about this issue?
I think the person broadcasting it on social media are responsible and should face charges, but not the same charges as the person committing the crime. I was always taught to never except a drink from a stranger, as well as get in a taxi alone late at night. Being smart around your surroundings and not believing anyone. A girl could try to lure in another girl to take her to the guy if she is part of the crime.
ReplyDeleteThe person viewing and posting should most definitely be prosecuted equally. I was always told to fight for myself, wear what I want, and always be aware of my surroundings. I refuse to leave drinks unattended or attend parties or bars that I feel I would be uncomfortable at. My comfortability levels at these places have decreased significantly over the years due to unsavory people and situations. If it doesn't feel right, it most likely isn't.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that the person who uses social media to broadcast and share rape are just as responsible and sick as the person committing the crime. They should face the same punishment as the wrong-doer, if not more time for choosing not to step in and do something but to record and SHARE it. That is just humiliating and disguising, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAs far as being taught how to protect myself, my parents always told me to never let anyone buy me a drink if I'm not watching them or leave my drink unattended and come back for it. They also taught me to keep my keys/ pepper spray/ phone in hand and ready when I am walking to my car alone at night, to check my backseats and under my car before I get in, and of course to just always be aware of my surroundings. And if something ever were to happen, kick, scream, gouge, ANYTHING it takes to get this person off of me. That's just the beginning though. My parents still, to this day, tell me ways to protect myself and fight for myself.
In this situation it was obviously wrong and the people involved should be in trouble. I lived in a super small town so we never really ran into the issue. but still I rarely left the house and always wore baggy clothes so I wasn't really affected y this. But in NO way am I saying that its right. If I have a girl, I'll just take it the same way my mom did: inform me about all the dangers because all we are capable of doing is informing.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, and any similar cases like this, there actually are laws regarding this. It's known as being an "Accessory", having factual knowledge or minor levels of assistance in preparing a crime, OR, knowing a crime is occurring, or going to occur and doing nothing to stop or impede it. I feel the Accessory laws should be changed to have more punishment behind them due to the current levels of technology and communication. I'm attempting to be as factual and distanced as possible due to the fact that this royally pisses me off.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely believe that any person or persons who chooses broadcasts a crime instead of helping stop it is just as guilty as the actual assailant. they are in a position to help rather than broadcast and it's a shame that some people choose to do the latter of the two. Growing up I was taught that no means no. Also that victims are never asking to be raped, no matter how suggestive they might seem to be. I want to teach people that rape has no prejudice. Anyone could be a victim regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, etc..
ReplyDeleteI 100% believe strongly that anyone who broadcasts a crime instead of stopping or at least trying to stop it should be just as guilty as the ones who are committing it. In my opinion, that relates back to bullying - where other people watch someone getting bullied verbally and physically and the by-standards do not do anything about it are just as at fault as the bully... Growing up, I was taught to never talk to strangers and to never go anywhere in public (party or streets) alone. Rape can happen to anybody. Not just particularly girls... but also men can be a victim of rape too. It is a shame that people have to be on guard about this topic because it is traumatizing and horrible to the victim.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people who broadcast crimes instead of helping the victim should definitely be held accountable and should be considered a perpetrator. It is very unmoral to watch someone be raped and not do something about it. Not only are you just watching, but you're broadcasting this life changing moment for the victim to the world. What kind of person is okay with having that on their conscience? It saddens me to know these things happen in our world. It's embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteIn high school a close friend of mine was shot in front of the Walmart in Beech Grove, while it happened a guy standing near the entrance immediately whipped out his phone to video tape Jake lying on the ground helpless and bleeding out. NOT to call the police or seek any kind of help. The guy posted the video on YouTube. You can hear the lady that is trying to save Jake's life screaming at the guy to call for help and to stop recording but he kept recording. In the end the guy who posted the video hurt Jake more. He campaigned and did all he could to get the video of a private devastating moment taken down and was successful. I always wondered, what if Jake died? Should the guy video taping be held responsible to some account? And my answer is yes. Same with the situation with the girl posting the rape. You cannot erase it and even if you can before it goes too viral, people still saw it.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in a small town rape culture was suppressed and not talked about. My parents, Tv, and movies was really my only form of education about rape. Most of it included not to walk alone, go far distances alone, and most importantly it can happen to anyone.
I think that the people who broadcast the crimes and do not do anything to help the other should be charged with the account, and should be considered a perpetrator. it is wrong to watch somebody helplessly being raped and to video tape, i fully believe that they should be held accountable and charged the same as the offender. In this country we should not be ranked 13th in rape crimes that is just wrong, i feel like the women are embarrassed, ashamed, and feel as if it is their fault (when it is not)and that is why they do not stand up for themselves and go forth with prosecuting the offender. When I was growing up my family taught me well when it comes to being careful and watching where I go and the types of drinks that I take; It sucks that women have to be so cautious in this day but it is something that we have to do.
ReplyDeleteI most definitely believe that the person who would broadcast such a horrific thing should be charged with the crime as well. To sit there, watch, and record some person's life being ruined without trying to stop it goes without saying they are at fault just as much. There is something seriously wrong with them, psychologically, to be able to do something like that and I feel if they are able to do that, they are capable of rape themselves or other crimes. As far as what I learned growing up about rape, not much about rape in general but more so of how to defend myself from being abducted which I feel could relate to eventual rape. I don't feel it was as common then or as much to worry about as it is today though. I'm only 25 but back then I was roaming the streets without a care in the world when I was really young and now that I'm older, I definitely wouldn't or let my daughter when she is older. I just wish things would change to where more was done to put rapist behind bars and that more people would come forth if something like that happens in hopes that the rapist is caught and prevented from doing it to someone else. Self defense is something I feel should be taught in school or offered free classes ( there might be some out there, not sure) to prevent rape from happening in the first place since it doesn't seem right now that there is much being done about the criminals out doing that.
ReplyDeleteI belive that both the one who comitted the crime and the one who broadcasts it should be punished harshly by law. And I just gotta say that even back when i was a guy i refused to use public restrooms from fear of getting raped or beaten up. Guys that have girlish figures are raped too by other guys. Thats why since im a girl now but not by legal law, i use the women's restroom, I dont belong in a guys rest room. Ive been well close to being raped in a guys restroom back when i was a guy, but im not talking about that ever. I think rape should be a death penalty and the one that filmed it should be put in prison or Arkam Asylum because they are insane to think broadcasting rape is ok.
ReplyDeleteTo star off, no i dont feel that social media is responsible or is to blame for the crime being committed. things like Facebook is just a tool for entertainment that has been warped by other peoples perspectives, which is sad really but you cant fully control the actions of the stupid. As far as what i have learned growing up, i was taught to respect women, but moreover ive taught myself to try and respect other people. its not kindergarten anymore, i think a thing like 'keep your hands to yourself' shouldnt have to be explained at this point, but we live in a world that i feel is sick and its a disease that is having trouble being cured. As far as my daughters i would make sure they dont go out dressing so skimpily like a prostitute, even though our society thinks that thirteen year olds OR YOUNGER its an 'alright' thing to do. I dont know, maybe its a generation thing that we just wont understand like how way back when you couldnt even show off your ankles.
ReplyDelete~Patrick Shaffer
To be clear i do believe that live streaming the rape was bad and people that do that should be held responsible, not the social media programs.
Delete~Patrick Shaffer
I will start off by saying in this case, I do feel that Marina was just as responsible for the simple fact instead of helping, she chose to record. With the given knowledge, it’s very clear she could have tried to help in some way. But in general, I do not feel that people who use media to broadcast crimes are always the ones at fault and/or just as responsible. After reading a few post it seems that most of you are taking the guilty by association approach, as I might agree I also see that as an open ended argument. Let me explain. If you were to watch a video that someone recorded and it was of a gun shooting, or stealing, fighting, and in this case; rape, there are usually more people involved. You have the people committing the crime, the people the crime is being committed on, and you have the crowed. 98% of the time we see from the perspective of the crowed. In that logic, everyone in the crowed that isn’t trying to prevent anything would be deemed as guilty by association and/or an accessory to these crimes. But then you have to think about the position that the person recording is in. Maybe they’re not in a good spot to jump in and do anything, or maybe 911’s line is super busy from all of the calls they are receiving so they start to record just to capture everything in case they get asked to provide info. Yes there are people that whip out their phones just do it for the vines, and even though that’s the furthest from the right thing to do, we can’t automatically hop to “oh their recording instead of helping, they should be punished.” Because in reality you’re just standing there, so what should happen to you?
ReplyDeleteI think that the individuals who use social media to broadcast crimes are as responsible as the person that committed the crime. She is an accomplice that had no empathy for the victim during the activity which makes her responsible because of her state of mind during the crime. Being charged for the same as the person that committed the crime seems unfair because she did not physically touched the victim, but she should still be charge as a serious crime. Growing up, my parents never taught me about what rape was about, but they mentioned not to speak or let a stranger touch me. The way I will teach my daughters and nieces is by explaining to them about rape in a slow process. For example, I would began by telling them not to let anyone touch them, then as they get older, I will move forward with stories about victims.
ReplyDeletei do believe that people who broadcast the crime is just as responsible as the person committing the crime. I say this because they had the ability to stop the crime that was being committed but instead they made the choice to allow it to happen while capturing it on video, picture, etc. I feel that they should get the same punishment as the person committing the crime because technically they are an accessory to whats being committed. So many people would be alive today if that person behind the camera would've stopped recording and told the person that was committing the crime they were in the wrong. I was taught growing up that rape can happen to anybody and if i felt uncomfortable or if anything did happen to tell my mom. No accepting drinks from guys that i didn't know or didn't watch the bartender make, I've been told watch my alcohol intake around people you don't know, go to outings in groups so we can all look out for each other, and when it comes down to clothes somethings shouldn't be worn. When i was in college i would also tell my mom where i was going and with who just so she would know my last whereabouts. But as a kid i was taught how to defend myself. When i went to college i was equipped with a taser, pepper spray, i took self defense classes,and soon i will have my carrying license.
ReplyDeleteIf you use social media to broadcast a rape, you are an accessory to the crime. You should be punished! You're doing nothing to stop the rape, and instead, broadcasting it! You are just as bad as the rapist.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I was taught- I had parents who taught me there were good and bad people. School taught me it's the girl's responsibility. It's her responsibility to say no, to wear clothes that don't entice guys, to not walk in a certain area at night, etc... THIS IS STUPID. So freaking stupid. But- some people don't freaking care. I have had a guy in a CROWDED bar grab my arm and try to drag me out of my bar stool as he said "You are mine!" That was terrifying. Luckily, my friend came back from the bathroom in time and my other friend was the bartender. In order to make sure I could take care of myself, when the guy bought me shots, I ordered vodka but whispered to my bartender friend to substitute water. Serves that jerkoff right. So why do I have "resting bitch face" on at bars? Because I'm going to keep people from even talking to me if it's what I have to do to keep myself safe. I carry my keys with the big key sticking upright in between my fingers so if someone attacks, I can stab them in the throat. I don't want to be that person. But I have to defend myself. It's the sad truth.
We teach our daughters that they can't dress a certain way or express themselves a certain way or they'll be raped. But what about the boys? What do we teach them?
We have to not be afraid to talk about rape. That's why I started my photo series "#NeverAskingForIt". I want people to speak up and stand up against our horrid rape culture so that maybe when it happens to someone, they won't be afraid to come forward.
Oh. And I just saw this. Yes, I'm very pissed off. >_<
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rawstory.com/2016/04/oklahoma-court-rules-that-forced-oral-sex-is-not-rape-if-victim-is-unconscious-from-drinking/
To be frank, there is a lack of active talk and work against these kinds of things. It's almost like it's taboo to even consider talking about it. I mean, if you look at Canada, they actually have public ads against rape; even homosexual rape. When was the last time you saw anything like that in the US?
ReplyDeleteIf somebody does something like that girl's friend did, and broadcasted a rape to the public, then they should definitely be punished. Honestly, I think what bothers me most about what happened was that her 'friend' didn't bother doing anything to help her.
ReplyDeleteRegarding what I was taught when I was younger, one of the main things was to not accept drinks from strangers. I was also told to yell, "Fire!" rather than, "Rape!" as that was more likely to grab the attention of others. I also remember being taught basic self-defense, and my mother has given me a number if items to use in self defense as I've grown older.
Yes, I believe that if you take video of any criminal activity you should be a fall also. It's more embarrassing to the victim which is already shook up.
ReplyDeleteIn the case, yes the lady who took the video should be convicted of the same crime as the person who performed the heinous act. Growing up I was always taught not to go somewhere by myself and when it comes to when I teach my children about rape or any other crimes, it will be based on experience of how I was taught and witness on the news.
I believe that the person who recorded the video should face some form of punishment. She didn't help defend someone who was supposed to be her 'friend' which was wrong. Growing up, my parents always expressed to be aware of my surroundings and never take anything opened from someone I didn't know, regardless of the situation. And that is expressed every time I talk to them.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the person who recorded the video should face some form of punishment. She didn't help defend someone who was supposed to be her 'friend' which was wrong. Growing up, my parents always expressed to be aware of my surroundings and never take anything opened from someone I didn't know, regardless of the situation. And that is expressed every time I talk to them.
ReplyDeleteI think individuals who use social media to broadcast crimes, are just as responsible as the person committing the crime and they should face the same punishment, because instead of broadcast the crime, they should be helping the victim. When I was younger I was taught not to take candy from strangers and if someone did approach me to yell "stranger danger".
ReplyDeleteI would say yes if they are posting it they just as much the problem as the person who is doing the crime. Many times in the world we live in and social media these people that are doing the crimes are looking for a crowed to watch what they are doing. They feed off of it so I say shut them down and if don't repost don't commit on it and when that person is sentenced for that crime they should not be talked about at all unless it is a teaching tool only. Let that victims family start they healing process.
ReplyDeleteI do believe the individual recording is just as bad as the person doing it. You could've be an helping hand but, instead you decide to record it. You might as well been the one doing it. Now maybe if you were seeing from a distance and wanted to catch the criminals at hand. But no matter what you still should be able to do something for them. Scream, call the police, something. When I was growing up I was always taught that if I go out to make sure I have someone with me that I truly trust and to have money on me so I could get home with or without who I came with. Also to never sip from an opened beer can or to not leave my drink unattended. I think one of the most important things for any of my sister's or nieces should know is self defense. I feel very strongly about not leaning on other's for help because humans will fail you all the time. So being able to defend yourself physically is what I feel would be important to teach.
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ReplyDeleteI believe the person who is broadcasting it should be as in much trouble as the person who is committing the crime. If you have a chance to stop it, you should, not video tape it. Nowadays, a lot of people do things for social media or to look cool and that's really sad.
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