Apparently Rape is Big Old Joke and a “Magical Experience”
| February 12th, 2007In another great example of college students being totally insensitive, a student at Central Connecticut State University decided that it would be funny to satirize rape. He titled his editorial “Rape Only Hurts If You Fight It.” He claims to be making the point that only sensational stories get headlines, so he decided to make his own sensation.
Well the students and staff didn’t find the editorial to be funny, and the writer John Petroski was called to the carpet in a town hall forum at the school:
Petroski took the podium before a hushed, tense audience — his first public appearance since the publication of a controversial article he wrote last week in the student newspaper describing rape as a “magical experience.”
The article, meant to be a satire of media sensationalism, had missed its mark, incurring the wrath of hundreds of students over its depiction of rape as a boon to civilization and to “ugly women” who otherwise would not be able to get men to have sex with them.
Many in the audience felt Petroski had a lot to answer for, especially those who were familiar with some of the articles and comic strips he had previously written for the paper poking fun at sensitive topics such as abortion and affirmative action.
He had been up since 3 a.m. writing the speech. He hoped it would heal the wounds he had reopened and convince the audience that he was truly sorry — although later he would assert that the overwhelming response to his story proved his initial point.
Apparently, the condemnation of students did have some impact because the student was forced to resign, and it sounds like the paper’s editor was even getting a little reflective by the end of the forum. Here’s an excerpt that starts with Petroski and ends with the editor of the paper.
“I apologize sincerely,” he said to the group of women who, in the days since the article was published, had publicly identified themselves as rape victims in a show of protest against the article and the paper.
One student, Nicki LaPorte, had won a rousing ovation from the audience after tearfully condemning the article earlier during the forum.
“I am not a victim of rape, I am a survivor of rape,” LaPorte said.
Several other students were also critical of the article, saying it crossed the boundaries of journalistic responsibility. Besides demanding Petroski’s resignation, several students also called for the resignation of the paper’s editor, Mark Rowan, as well as the paper’s faculty advisors.
Students said that over the last year, the paper had become increasingly hostile to women and gays and other minority groups.
“Where are the advisors in all of this?” asked one student.
The controversy over the article prompted The Recorder’s editorial board to vote to remove Petroski as the opinion editor over the weekend. Yet Petroski will be allowed to continue writing on a limited basis, according to Rowan, who also said he has no plans to step down.
Petroski and Rowan said they were both deeply moved by the dozens of letters they had received concerning the article over the last few days, especially those written by rape victims who described their attacks in harrowing detail.
“It’s definitely going to make me more sensitive to this issue,” said Rowan, a 21-year-old senior who hopes to pursue a career in journalism after he graduates. “Up until now, I had always seen the world from the narrow vantage point of a 21-year-old white male, but now I see that it needs to be broadened.”
Rowan said the paper intends to appoint a woman to replace Petroski as opinion editor soon. The paper would then have an editorial board consisting of seven men and five women, he said.
Nevertheless, this case seems to be alarmingly similar to the blackface cases we have been seeing. Students claim that they didn’t know their behavior was offensive or inappropriate.
This also case strikes me as a real male privilege moment because rape is no joke to women especially for college women who have a very high rate of rape victimization. I think many men don’t realize how the threat of rape affects all women. We do things like get our keys ready well before we get into our cars. We check the backseat before we get into our car. We rarely go to parties alone. We stay in our homes late at night, and this applies to almost all women whether we have been sexually assaulted or not. The fear of rape is pervasive and unfortunately so normalized that many women (myself included) take it for granted. I suggest that men who want to learn about how rape affects women’s lives read this essay by Tim Beneke. It is an excerpt from his book Men on Rape: What They Have to Say About Sexual Violence. The article demonstrates how pervasive and powerful the fear of rape is.
I wish John Petroski and Mark Rowan would have read the Beneke article. Maybe then they would realize why this essay wasn’t the least bit funny. Satire implies that you “get it.” (Didn’t I say this a couple days ago!) Mr. Petroski and Mr. Rowan simply don’t get it. By his own admission, Mr. Rowan says he’s being viewing the world only through his young white male vantage point, and I suppose that’s what college is for getting students to see not only their vantage points but the vantage points of others. If Petroski and Rowan could see the world through my eyes (and the eyes of billions of other women), would know that rape is no laughing matter; they would understand the paralysis and fear that rape causes for women, and they would have never written such an editorial.
Thanks to Carmen for the heads up on this!
February 12th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
This article is offensive and in terrible taste. He knew it would be offensive. That’s why he did. He just didn’t think that people would take is seriously.
I wonder what impact South part et. al. have on the motivation to do this sort of thing. Were the writers truly only trying to be offensive and funny? Was this motivated by ignorance and privilege? Was this misogony and an urge to feel powerful by making women feel scared?
Or did he really just want to make point in the crudest way possible?
This comment was written by Joe.Report this comment to the moderators
February 12th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
“Mr. Petroski and Mr. Rowan simply don’t get it. By his own admission, Mr. Rowan says he’s being viewing the world only through his young white male vantage point, and I suppose that’s what college is for getting students to see not only their vantage points but the vantage points of others. If Petroski and Rowan could see the world through my eyes (and the eyes of billions of other women), would know that rape is no laughing matter; they would understand the paralysis and fear that rape causes for women, and they would have never written such an editorial.”
-dead on- they don’t get it, namly that rape happens and so humor on that subject is liable to be interpreted as evil.
But this, “Up until now, I had always seen the world from the narrow vantage point of a 21-year-old white male, but now I see that it needs to be broadened.”
Frankly, I’m offended as 21 year old white male.
The fact he’d try to pawn his ignorance off on his status as a 21 year old white male is telling; he’s not willing to take responsibility for his actions, let alone, ‘expand’ his views.
Rachels,
I’m a bit suprised that you say
“By his own admission, Mr. Rowan says he’s being viewing the world only through his young white male vantage point”
I challenge that view as predjudiced.
Rachels, If you think its not predjudiced, I am open to your logic. I’m not offended considering the context.
This comment was written by Mitchell.Report this comment to the moderators
February 13th, 2007 at 7:48 am
When I first saw the title I thought this was going to be something from the Onion. Sadly, it’s not.
This comment was written by sailorman.Report this comment to the moderators
February 13th, 2007 at 9:37 am
I watched a part of his “apology” last night on the news. I was wondering when you would comment Rachel :)
These days I keep thinking to myself stuff like : “I would be so ashamed to be his mother.” It’s just appalling and I can’t believe anyone thought it would be ok to publish in the first place. They are right to examine the editorial process. This should have been scraps on the newsroom floor.
This comment was written by Kate L..Report this comment to the moderators
February 13th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Delurking to say, speaking of the Onion, this is how you write satire:
Candidate Turns To Focus Group For Position On Rape
In a strange way, I think what offends me the most is that the CCSU story is just not funny, or satirical at all.
This comment was written by Kim.Report this comment to the moderators
February 13th, 2007 at 10:32 am
The article by Beneke’s final paragraphs with quotes from men made me all the more scared of them as a gender. I am usually able to convince myself that men who think like this are a small minority and that most men are decent. Reading stuff like that really makes me wonder, are the decent ones the minority? Do most of them see beautiful women as enemies and foils for their vengeful fantasies?
This comment was written by Anna in Portland (was Cairo).Report this comment to the moderators
February 13th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
That’s certainly not how my friends and I talk, and I was offended by the article, but Mr. Petronski assures me it was satire and was not intended to demean women. Mr. Petronski will be joining my campaign as the newspaper outreach communicator.
Sincerely, Mitt Romney
P.S.: he double super secret promises not to discuss rape any more in any future articles. He is moving out of the opinion section and will take a job with the entertainment section reviewing movies or something.
This comment was written by Mitt Romney.Report this comment to the moderators
February 14th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Help John Petroski hear the words of you and everyone across our country. At www.askingfirst.com, Petroski has agreed to receive e-mails from everyone he offended and he has promised he will read them. No one’s e-mail address is included when their comments are forwarded to him. Plus, he can only respond through our blog. This process is done to help insure he does not intentionally or accidentally hurt anymore people through this medium of communication.
Accoutability is a wonderful catalyst for change!!
This comment was written by Mike.Report this comment to the moderators
February 14th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Mike thanks for engaging in this dialogue with John Petroski. I will repost your link.
This comment was written by Rachel S..Report this comment to the moderators
February 15th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Silenced like Amanda Marcotte.
This comment was written by Rob.Report this comment to the moderators
February 16th, 2007 at 10:57 am
We have an update from John Petroski at www.askingfirst.com.
This comment was written by Mike.Report this comment to the moderators
February 28th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Are men wired to rape? Do children suffer less because of rape? Men on rape Ampersand: Rape as a big joke and a “magical experience” ((double gag)) As Kenyans talk less and less about sex. In other news if you are a boy you may need to be circumcised to join some schools.(Can’t find the link where it was yesterday in EA Standard)
This comment was written by Chez Moi.Report this comment to the moderators
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:59 am
have been on a really great streak (must read them more regularly), writing about race, free speech, the kerfuffle involving the Catholic League and the blogger Amanda and there’s one particular post i’d like to draw attention to: the one about rape and men ‘getting it.’ it links to an excerpt from tim beneke’s book Men On Rape and it’s so worthwhile reading i heartily encourage folks to go there. (april is sexual assault awareness month, so be prepared. i’m gonna write about it.)
This comment was written by ChurchGal.Report this comment to the moderators