meallanmouse

While I don't post as often as I used to, I do keep up on my friends list.

I've noticed some folk no longer post, however, so doing a clean-up of ye olde LJ right now. If you do the same as me (don't post, but read up) and want back on even if I don't post as much anymore, just drop me a comment.

<3

Due to a conversation on Twitter, I was reminded of this post which I wrote in June of 2009. It was a post about speaking up for others, in the context of our culture. I'm reposting it, because I think it is worthwhile to do so.

I'm reposting it in full and unchanged. I'm still debating whether to make this post public or not (it was last time), but if you'd like to link this so folk not in my f-list can see, just let me know in the comments and I'll change the settings.

Note: I will banhammer trolls and derailing attempts in a heartbeat, and without a second thought. =)

~*~

If you're reading this and are a man, I ask you this. It's not a favor I'm asking for. Keep this in mind. It's not a challenge. Some of you will say you know this. But this goes further than just knowing. it's not just about saying "Oh, I know this!". It's about DOING. It's about lifestyle. It's about every day words and actions. It's about changing the world we live in, one word at a time, one action at a time. Over and over and over again, until it sticks.

So. Here I am, asking you this. I'm asking you to do this because it's the right thing to do. I'm asking you this when I shouldn't have to ask you this because there should be no need for it. And yet, here we are. There is need.

And so I ask: Step up.

The next time you see a situation where a male co-worker(s)/friend(s)/stranger(s) is/are making a female colleague(s)/friend(s)/stranger(s) feel uncomfortable, or belittled. Step up.

Even if she's putting up a good front or acting like its normal and okay because that's what a woman is conditioned to do, to be polite, to not raise a fuss, to pretend it's okay to be treated like something less than human, to not get in trouble because she's out-numbered or won't be listened to or will just be laughed at for speaking up for herself. Because she's afraid she'll get in trouble if she speaks up for herself. Because she doubts her right to do so. Because she's afraid to do so. Because she knows - not believes - but knows no one will listen. Because she thinks even if she speaks up, everyone will believe him. Step up.

The next time you see a (possibly incapacitated) woman being taken advantage of at a party/club/friend's house, if you see a woman being verbally abused or physically intimidated at night or in broad daylight with onlookers not intervening. Step up.

The next time you hear a guy make jokes about rapes, jokes that cheapen woman and enable a culture of rape, encourage his friends to treat a woman like a thing, like dirt. Like she's there for his convenience. STEP UP.

It's not enough to just think you'd do it. Be aware. Be pro-active. Don't walk around with the blinders of privilege, unable to see what's going on right beside you.

Because it's not okay. IT'S NOT OKAY. So step up. Say something. Tell your buddies what they're doing isn't okay. Tell the guy over there that what he's saying is wrong. That was he's doing is wrong. Call for help. Call the police. Do something.

It's not just the big things. It's the small everyday things too, that aren't so small and are soul crushing nonetheless. It's everything. Everywhere.

So. Be That Guy.

Be That Guy because it's how things should be. Not because you're some kind of hero, or because you'd deserve kudos for it, or because you're a knight-in-shining-armor - but because in everyday life, that's how things should be. Because a woman shouldn't have to be confronted with behavior that belittles her, or diminishes her, or makes her feel unworthy or unsafe. Because our society needs to change. Because the culture of rape needs to be exposed for what it is and it needs to be confronted and shown as wrong, one small bit at a time.

Be That Guy because those guys? Odds are pretty damn high they won't listen to a woman telling them this. Actually, it's pretty much certain. A guy listening to a woman in this kind of situation, particularly with other guys around? Exception to the rule. Cold hard fact.

But they might listen to you. They might listen to another guy.

It doesn't matter if it's at work, or in the streets. Or at home with your friends and family.

BE THAT GUY.

And if you get thanked for it? Remind yourself of this.

It's not about you.

This is not something a woman should need to thank you for in the first place.

~*~

Stepping up isn't just for guys. This was proven to me today, and this is why I'm extending this post. This is shorter, but when you factor in a culture where women are told to shut up, to be polite, to not rock the boat, to not raise a fuss... this is bigger. This is hard. And it's always going to be hard. And terrifying.

It will also be worth it.

If you're reading this and you're a woman and you've been/are being harassed, speak up. I know it's not a question of if, but of when. That's how things are. So. Talk to Human Resources. Talk to your superior, the one in charge of keeping your work environment safe. Talk to a trusted person. Hopefully, someone in that chain won't let you down. Hopefully the people who are supposed to be there for you, will be there for you.

The ones who prey on women, the ones who make sexist jokes and crass remarks? They don't do that just to you. They do it to other women too.

It's not just about you

And this is just one situation of many. One potential scenario. It's the one I bring here as an example, because it's close to home on many levels, in many instances. Because today, it's the one that made me cry. For myself, and for someone else.

So.

Step up.

Speak out.

Be That Woman.

~*~


If any of you wish to link to this, do so. If any of you wish to repost any of the two sections above on your own journal, blog, whathaveyou - go ahead. Copy paste and do so. No credit needed nor even wanted. Just... please, repost this request.

Step up, you know.

~*~

And, finally, a personal note. Because I think it needs to be said, out here, for everyone to read. But most importantly, for her to read.

I know someone who was That Woman today.

I respect her tremendously and am endlessly proud to call her friend.

~*~

And, because I'm already seeing some responses to some people who posted links to this, here is link to Derailing for Dummies. Bear it mind - the one you link this to has to want to learn to even come close to being able to appreciate this.

I'll find the one about tone when I can, unless someone has the kindness to link it here first.

And, a good post on tone and why it's the last type of argument to bring to this kind of discussion.

So, I will take any and all Science Fiction book recommendations you would like to offer. A one sentence about what the book is about should be included, which I presume isn't a hardship as if you're going to like a book enough to type at me about it, a one liner ain't all that much! There is a current bias for Hard Sci-fi, but really, I will go out and get any sort of interesting sounding book of the genre I've yet to read!

If there's anything specific the book focuses about, by all means feel free to expand too! :D I don't mind you reccing something that's already been mentionned if you think something important/interesting about it has yet to be brought up, as well!

Go!

(Also, leaving this unlocked – feel more than free to refer friends whom you think would have good suggestions to contribute.)

This post is unlocked. Feel free to link to it.

~*~

HAITI EARTHQUAKE - How you can help
Haitian contacts, relief efforts
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 | 1:46 PM ET

Port-au-Prince, the impoverished Haitian capital, was hit with a devastating earthquake Tuesday that caused the collapse of several buildings and an unknown number of fatalities. The 7.0 magnitude quake had its highest intensity in an area where at least 1.8 million people live.

A list of ways to get involved in relief efforts and stay connected with those still Haiti is provided below.

Contacting family members, friends

Canadians attempting to contact family members or friends in Haiti can call the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade emergency operation centre at 1-800-387-3124, or inquire by email at [email protected].

DFAIT is also advising Canadians who need assistance in Haiti to travel to the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince on Delmas Road, between Delmas 75 and 71. Canadians can also contact embassy officials by calling 613-996-8885.

Support

The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Donations can be earmarked to the Haiti earthquake fund. Canadians who wish to give may donate online by clicking here. Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-418-111 or by visiting any Red Cross office.

The Canadian Red Cross sent $200,000 immediately to support emergency relief efforts on the ground and is on standby to provide additional emergency assistance. The Red Cross response includes evacuation support, search and rescue efforts and providing shelter and first aid. Local Red Cross volunteers continue to work around the clock to help the many people affected by this disaster.

UNICEF Canada is taking donations for the earthquake in Haiti. An income tax receipt will be issued for all donations $25 or more. For donations less than $25, receipts will be issued upon request. Please email [email protected] or call 1-800-567-4483.

The Salvation Army in Canada is sending $100,000 US in aid and has started a fundraising campaign.

World Vision is preparing to distribute emergency supplies to those affected by the earthquake. World Vision has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, helping an estimated 300,000 Haitians each year to overcome poverty through providing access to education, clean water and nutrition, as well as helping families with medical care.

Partners in Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director, Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds and bandages." Follow link to help by donating.

Direct Relief is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is co-ordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. Their partners in Haiti include Partners in Health, St. Damien Children's Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.

The Humanitarian Coalition — Care/Oxfam Canada/Oxfam Quebec/Save the Children. In collaboration with a number of organizations, The Humanitarian Coalition is taking donations for relief for those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday.

Artists for Peace and Justice, which was established after director/producer/writer Paul Haggis met Rick Frechette, an American doctor and community organizer working in the slums of Haiti for 22 years, is accepting donations. Call 310-319-1394 for further assistance.

International Medical Corps. a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonprofit organization, is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA is asking for any donation possible to support its emergency response fund.

Yele Haiti was established by musician Wyclef Jean to inspire change through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. Yele Haiti is accepting donations to help make a difference in Haiti via its website. Because of high traffic to the website, Yele is accepting donations through mobile phones, with people able to text the word "YELE" to 501501 to make a $5 contribution. Yele Haiti can also be followed on Twitter.

Plan Canada has been operating in Haiti for nearly 40 years. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-387-1418.

~*~

Evaluating a charity
Before making a donation, consumers should take precautions to evaluate a charity. Here are some tips:

Check the database of registered charities on the Canada Revenue Agency's website. Registered charities are authorized to issue donation receipts for income tax purposes. Contact the charity to confirm that they do provide official donation receipts to donors. Cheques should be made out to an organization, not an individual.
Call the charity or look on their website to see how your donation will be used.
Ask for supporting literature on the charity's past missions to learn more about the charity.

~*~

From the comments:

~ www.msf.ca

The Border House: Breaking down borders in virtual worlds, online games, and the web. If you like videogames, I recommend you add this one to your feeds. I created an LJ feed for them which you can find at: theborderhouse. You can easily find them on Twitter as well, right here.

The "About Us" blurb: "The Border House" is a reference to Funcom’s point-and-click adventure game, The Longest Journey. The game deals with gay characters in a progressive and positive way, and the Border House is a fictional apartment within the game owned by a gay couple. The idea of living on the edge of a cultural border, of crossing and breaking borders – that’s what we are about here.

The Border House is a blog that celebrates diversity in gaming from a wide variety of cultural angles. We aim to be a friendly space for women, feminists, people of color, gay, lesbian, transgender individuals, those with disabilities, and any other marginalized group and their allies to read news and opinion on and discuss video games, MMORPGs, virtual worlds, and social media. Our goal is to provide up to date relevant news and opinion journalism without cultural bias and using a feminist lens.

I have a feeling I'll be posting/linking to their posts fairly often. =)

As such, here is one of their latest posts:

The Women of Uncharted 2: What Naughty Dog Did Right
@ The Border House

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, noted for its immersive, cinematic approach to game play, is also notable in that its two leading women, are portrayed in a generally positive way. In this post, I’ll briefly discuss what I think the developers at Naughty Dog did right by these two kick-ass women.

There are some mild spoilers in this post.

Interesting, Believable, Three-Dimensonal Personalities

Elena Fisher and Chloe Frazier come across as real human beings. They have distinct personalities, and are driven by different motivations. The developers treated the characters with respect and with what feels like a high regard for their own individual motivations and personality. Elena is driven by a strong sense of justice. She’s tough and smart and funny. Chloe has a strong sense of self-preservation. She is also tough, extremely clever, and quick-thinking. Elena is more of an idealist, whereas Chloe would probably call herself a realist. The game doesn’t give you their backstories, but there’s enough there that gives players the feeling that Naughty Dog have really fleshed them out. There is a lot of priceless dialogue between Chloe and Elena towards the end of the game, where they crack jokes at Nate’s expense, which I absolutely loved to bits. I think it’s really awesome that both women are incredibly witty and funny throughout the game, and that it’s not the hero who gets all the best and most memorable lines. And another big reason for why they feel like real people is due to great acting.

Capable and Competent

They can take care of themselves. Although Nathan Drake mentions that these women are skilled and capable, we also see it in action. Throughout the course of the game, both women act as computer-controlled allies, who are right in the thick of things, shooting their way through tides of enemies. They don’t get in your way, and you’re always glad they have your back.

No Women in Refrigerators

The forutunes of Chloe Frazier and Elena Fisher do not exist to solely serve the personal development of Nathan Drake. They’re well-rounded characters rather than plot devices. This point is related to the first one. Both characters are pursuing their own interests, and these interests at times conflict with what Drake wants to do. And sometimes it forces Drake to look at himself, his motivations, and what’s important to him. But his personal growth doesn’t take place at the expense of Elena or Chloe. Neither Elena nor Chloe are women in refrigerators.

Elena is Not a “Bond Girl”

After the events of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, a lot of people expected Elena Fisher to be tossed aside. Elena kicked serious ass in the first game, and Naughty Dog decided to bring her back. This was met with a lot of support from fans who came to love Elena as a clever, witty, and great character in the first game.

No “Catfighting”

When you have two women in a videogame, each of which are or were involved with the main character, one almost automatically expects the developers to do a horribly cliched thing: have two women fight over a man. This didn’t happen in Uncharted 2, and the game’s plot and characters were much stronger for it. Chloe and Elena actually seemed to take a liking to each other. They interacted with each other with a sense of humour and cameraderie that comes with shared experiences—being stuck in serious, life-threatening situations with Nathan Drake. Each woman has some of the best and choices lines in the game, and they play off of each other so well. It wouldn’t have been either woman’s personality to fight each other over Drake because they’re both independent, practical, strong women. It’s refreshing to see the developers not take the easy way out.

Has anyone else played Uncharted 2? What did you think about Chloe and Elena, and were there any other positive aspects about the portrayal of Elena and Chloe you could think of?

Dear Kiehls,

Your customer service at the Ste-Catherine, Montreal location is made of utter, absolute FAIL. First I get harassed with "help" until I just hand over items I'm holding to your service rep so that she'll go away (because otherwise of course I was going to run out and steal everything I could in the process of course!) and then when I'm at the cash, item in hand and the rest on the desk before me (75$ plus of purchases, I note though it should not matter how much it was anyway), debit card out and ready no less... I get ignored by your entire staff and then the rep who bothers to go to the cash passes the woman BEHIND ME stating she was there FIRST?

Of course I walked out.

You suck. And I'll be filing a complaint on your website, for whatever it's worth.

No love at all,
Me

Edit: Complaint email sent in to the head office. I keep reading everywhere that they're very keen on customer service. Here's hoping my experience is the exception to the rule. In the meantime though, I'm off to buy a Juara Rice Facial Cleanser after work. Last time I went to the store they were amazing, and the sample I got for the cleanser was just scrumptious!

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
~ Laurence Binyon, For the Fallen

~*~

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

~*~





Icons free for the taking, no credit needed.

For the record: The snark and mockery people are exhibiting towards Obama's Nobel Peace Prize award disheartens me greatly. Is hope of so little value, then?

~*~

I'm not quoting the start of the article here. Instead, I'm quoting the end. I'm quoting it purely because it is the Nobel Prize committee stating why they gave him the prize and their reasoning seems appropriate to quote.

And really? Also, before you all feel the need to dogpile on me to educate me about how wrong I am (I will feel perfectly free to delete those types of comments, you've been warned), please note the distinction I'm making here. I'm not arguing as to whether he was the best candidate or not - what I'm saying is that dragging someone down through the mud and/or being "wittily dismissive" isn't a reaction I can muster much enthusiasm for nor something I find any value in. Particularly not when the person in question is already a symbol - already represents so much hope, for so many people. Regardless of their country, nation or race.

So, if you think someone else should have won? Go make a post ABOUT that person. TELL ME about them in the comments. Give them their dues in glowing praise and without comparing them to anyone else - without bringing someone else down in the process. Go on and on about them and I promise you, I will listen. And I'll be perfectly happy to link ALL of those posts about which of the candidates you think should have won and why here.

But don't go dragging the winner down with petty mockery and supposedly clever and condescending witticism. (Hint: You're not being that witty. Or clever.) Acting that way accomplishes nothing and it belittles what Obama has managed thus far, which is pretty impressive when you consider the state of things for U.S. international relations before he was elected.

It's easy to sit there and point and think you sound smart - and do nothing. So if you don't agree, do something about it: write a post about your favored candidate. Do something.

Do it positively.

I'd love to see those posts. I really, really would.

~*~

In surprise, Nobel Peace Prize to Obama for Diplomacy
By WALTER GIBBS and SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Published: October 9, 2009

(...)

Mr. Obama’s foreign policy has been criticized bitterly among neoconservatives like former Vice President Dick Cheney, who have suggested his rhetoric is naïve and his inclination to talk to America’s enemies will leave the United States vulnerable to another terrorist attack.

In its announcement of the prize, the Nobel Committee seemed to directly refute that line of thinking.

“Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics,” the committee wrote. “Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play.”

Interviewed later in the Nobel Committee’s wood-paneled meeting room, surrounded by photographs of past winners, Mr. Jagland brushed aside concerns expressed by some critics that Mr. Obama remains untested.

“The question we have to ask is who has done the most in the previous year to enhance peace in the world,” Mr. Jagland said. “And who has done more than Barack Obama?”

He compared the selection of Mr. Obama with the award in 1971 to the then West German Chancellor Willy Brandt for his “Ostpolitik” policy of reconciliation with communist eastern Europe.

“Brandt hadn’t achieved much when he got the prize, but a process had started that ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall,” said Mr. Jagland. “The same thing is true of the prize to Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990, for launching perestroika. One can say that Barack Obama is trying to change the world, just as those two personalities changed Europe.”

“We have to get the world on the right track again,” he said. Without referring specifically to the Bush era, he continued: “Look at the level of confrontation we had just a few years ago. Now we get a man who is not only willing but probably able to open dialogue and strengthen international institutions.”

President Obama is the third leading American Democrat to win the prize this decade, following former Vice President Al Gore in 2007 along with the United Nations climate panel and former President Jimmy Carter in 2002.

The last sitting American president to win the prize was Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Theodore Roosevelt was selected in 1906 while in the White House and Mr. Carter more than 20 years after he left office.

The prize was won last year by the former president of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari for peace efforts in Africa and the Balkans.

The prize is worth the equivalent of $1.4 million and is to be awarded in Oslo on Dec. 10.

The full citation read: “The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

“Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the United States is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.”

~*~

"Good Morning Mr. President, You've Won the Nobel Peace Prize."
ABC News
By HUMA KHAN, YUNJI de NIES and KAREN TRAVERS
Oct. 9, 2009

(...)

"Only very rarely has a person, to the same extent as Obama, captured the world's attention and given his people hope for a better future," the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Thorbjorn Jagland, said in a statement.

"His diplomacy is founded in the concept of those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitude that are shared by the majority of the world's population. For 108 years the Nobel Committee has sought precisely the international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The committee endorses Obama's appeal that now is the time for all of us to take a share of responsibility for a global response for global challenges," the statement said.

Franken Wins Bipartisan Support For Legislation Reining In KBR’s Treatment Of Rape

In 2005, Jamie Leigh Jones was gang-raped by her co-workers while she was working for Halliburton/KBR in Baghdad. She was detained in a shipping container for at least 24 hours without food, water, or a bed, and “warned her that if she left Iraq for medical treatment, she’d be out of a job.” (Jones was not an isolated case.) Jones was prevented from bringing charges in court against KBR because her employment contract stipulated that sexual assault allegations would only be heard in private arbitration.

Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) proposed an amendment to the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill that would withhold defense contracts from companies like KBR “if they restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court.” Speaking on the Senate floor yesterday, Franken said:

The constitution gives everybody the right to due process of law … And today, defense contractors are using fine print in their contracts do deny women like Jamie Leigh Jones their day in court. … The victims of rape and discrimination deserve their day in court [and] Congress plainly has the constitutional power to make that happen.

Rest of article here

~*~

A post by mrvoid which lists the Republican senators (all men) who voted against the Franken Amendment.

Of these 30 men, the following are up for reelection in 2010:

Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
John McCain (R-AZ)
John Thune (R-SD)
David Vitter (R-LA)
Richard Burr (R-NC)

~*~

~ Victim: Gang-Rape Cover by U.S., Halliburton/KRB - at ABC News
~ Court rules that KBR employee's gang rape wasn't a personal injury 'arising in the workplace.' - at Think Progress
~ Halliburton covering up gang rape employees
~ After rape victim used cell p hone to call for help, KBR bans use of personal phones in Iraq
~ Rep. Poe: At least 3 other women were sexually assaulted while working for KBR in Iraq
~ KBR Gang Rape Survivor says 11 more women like her: Justice Department is a No-Show (Since then, the number has gone up to 38.)
~ Anther KBR Rape Claim Brings Scrutiny
~ Wikipedia entry on Jamie Leigh Jones

Ed Bernero is the Executive Producer and Showrunner on the TV show, Criminal Minds.

For those of you who would like to actively support people in the show industry who speak up against those who would support a child rapist? Here's a starting point.

~*~

Polanski Apologists Don’t Speak for All of Us in Hollywood
by Ed Bernero

Enough.

Anyone who would sign a petition demanding release of a fugitive child rapist is actively hurting a business I love and DOES NOT speak for all of the entertainment industry. America needs to know that by viewing/buying our product, the public is not supporting these views.

Our industry is made up mostly of hard working, decent people who believe in this country and the justice system. I strongly feel that one of the bigger reasons for the decline in film and television is that the public, our customer base, has simply had enough of Hollywood. And I don’t blame them.

I have a question for those supporting Roman Polanski: Is there no line? Is there no line at which you won’t blindly support someone? He’s an artist? So what? Charles Manson was a decent guitar player. Hitler could paint. Roman Polanski is a good director. So-the-hell what? This man drugged and anally raped a thirteen-year-old girl. The transcript of her testimony can be found online. Read it. It should horrify you.

It wasn’t “rape-rape”? What the hell does that even mean, Ms. Goldberg? Are you suggesting that the little girl was at fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? For not more forcefully resisting an adult her mother placed her with? A famous man?

Or maybe you meant that “statutory rape” isn’t “rape-rape.” Even if you accept the insane notion that a drugged and drunk thirteen-year-old COULD consent to sex with a forty-year-old man, THAT ISN’T WHAT HAPPENED! Read her testimony. Polanski forcibly raped her. She told him “no” repeatedly. When asked why she didn’t fight more, the girl testified, “I was afraid of him.” That sure as hell seems like “rape-rape’” to me.

Is it something else in the view of a self-proclaimed “feminist”?

Another popular justification seems to be, “The victim forgives him.” As a former police officer I can tell you unequivocally that the victim of a crime is often the person least capable of making that decision. They are frightened and humiliated. They just want it all to go away.

Twenty-years or so ago, the Domestic Violence laws were changed in most states requiring police officers to sign complaints instead of asking the abused spouse to do so. Why? Because a lot of them wouldn’t. They were so afraid or so used to the abuse, they didn’t think they could stop it. Jaycee Lee Dugard, the little girl kidnapped by Phillip Garrido, held and raped for eighteen years and forced to give birth to two children in a tent in a backyard (one when she was fourteen), APOLOGIZED to her family. After enduring half a lifetime of abuse, she is the one who feels guilty. Does that mean we let him go?

No. It is a just society’s DUTY to seek justice for them, ESPECIALLY when that victim is a child.

I gratefully added my name to BigHollywood’s petition. Grateful for the chance to tell my customers, the public, that we in Hollywood are not all immoral. We are not all valueless. We are not all possessed by the kind of moral relativism that would excuse raping a child because “Chinatown” was a good film.

Enough.

Edward Allen Bernero, Writer/Director/Executive Producer