Rape accusations generally go beyond just the seemingly simple process of reporting and investigating, followed by a court trial. This is the process we’re accustomed to hearing about. The whole affair can get rather messy, especially when celebrities and media add their commentary into the mix.
On my commute downtown today I was reading through the Metro, a free daily newspaper dispensed throughout the city, and I came across two separate reports on issues pertaining to sexual maltreatment. One of those articles detailed the rather disputed allegations being brought upon the 77-year old comedian, producer & educator, Bill Cosby. These attacks come after comedian Hanniball Buress’ sting, saying, “Yeah, but you rape women, Bill Cosby, so turn the crazy down a couple notches. 'I don't curse onstage.' Well, yeah, you're (a) rapist, so I'll take you saying lots of m*****f*****s on 'Bill Cosby: Himself' if you weren't a rapist." At this moment, there have been at least 15 women who have come forward to incriminate the TV dad of sexual misconduct. Included in the 15 supposed victims is former supermodel, Janice Dickinson who adds disturbing details to the night of her assault in 1982 after a dinner. To date, Cosby hasn’t given any discourse as to the validity of these accusations. There have been several different stances on the issue: some say he is being ruthlessly stormed, while others agree that it’s only right that the public knows whom they have grown up watching. He doesn’t deserve any special treatment due to him being a celebrity.
The latter article announced the University of Virginia’s suspension of all fraternities and associated parties until the beginning of January after rape allegations against Phi Kappa Psi came about. A first year student had reported her gang rape to Rolling Stone magazine after receiving a lack of cooperation from the university’s staff. This victim isn’t the only student in which a school fails to aid in bringing justice to these sufferers. There are currently 86 colleges and universities under investigation regarding how their administration handles such allegations. Another student from the University of Virginia has also reported a similar account of a separate rape incident, carried out by the same group. There still hasn’t been any formal police investigation or legal charges brought against any members of the fraternity thus far.
What I desire to bring forward is the failure of both media and people of authority to handle these cases in a serious, stern and cautious manner. Either rape turns into juicy gossip or seemingly disappears with time. Both outcomes strike me as problematic and disturbing.
--Mare
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