Sunday, 07 November 2010
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How Do You Feel About Rape Depictions in Hollywood?
Rape is, for obvious reasons, a very sensitive topic. However, stories of rape in movies and on TV are not uncommon.
Last week the medical melodrama "Private Practice" (an spin off of Grey's Anatomy), one of the main characters-- a strong, sexual female named Charlotte-- was attacked and raped. This episode dealt with the character's refusing to tell the police and other characters on the show that she was raped, instead insisting she was robbed.
She did, however, tell Addison the truth, who asked Charlotte to file a report because her attacker could harm more women. The very powerful clip is below.
You can watch the whole episode here (which I very much recommend).
Honestly, I respect the depiction and can even understand Charlotte's thoughts on why she should not tell the truth. I can't feeling people look at me differently because of something like this-- their entire notion of who I am might change, our relationship could alter.
In the end, however, I do agree with Addison that all rape should be reported because rapists should be brought to justice and women should not be afraid to report their assault. Unfortunately, the numbers are chilling.
According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network:
On the whole, I don't think rape is something TV or movies should shy away from-- it happens and if it gets people talking about the problem, I support it. But I do not like wrong, cliche depictions it. Nor do I like the idea of rape being used to increase ratings (this episode of Private Practice saw an increase of 44%). Rape should never be considered a gimmick or a popularity booster.
Another thing to ponder: is it really necessary to depict the actual rape scene? Is there a good reason behind this?
You can read about what other women think about the rape portrayal here (there are a lot of comments who are rape victims and voice their thoughts) and here.
How do you feel about rape (stories and depictions of the actual event) on the screen? Do you think Hollywood is using for money/ ratings or that rape depictions are helpful for getting exposure/ discussion going?
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- From: TheCatInTheCradle@xanga
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Comments (22)
Using rape to help viewers understand what they can do to put rapists behind bars is a great thing. Rape is a touchy subject, but to show women (and men) that you can do something is very powerful.
I don't watch things that show the rape, I can deal with saying what happened briefly and showing everything up to it but there is absolutely no reason to show someone being raped on film.
Hollywood uses it for the money of course LOL with all the money they make if they were even middling to being humanitarians we'd have much less "need" here in the good ole US of A. However their depiction of it can't help but create discussion which is always a good thing.
The media is making the general population desensitized, IMHO. Issues like rape need to be handled very carefully. I don't think having it on network television is completely appropriate. The shows are geared toward adults, yes, but its very easy for children to see that kind of stuff.
Movies are a little different. They get away with a lot more. Thanks to the MPAA rating system and theaters enforcing it, its harder for children to be exposed to that kind of stuff (unfortunately what is being classified as PG-13 is becoming more and more open, but thats a different subject for a different time).
I'm not saying all rape in movies is ok, though. There are appropriate and inappropriate ways of portraying it. Like you mentioned, if it is in a film designed to make money off of (rather than tell a story) and is only included because it will bring more of the audience, that is extremely inappropriate. If its purpose is to drive the story and is done in a tasteful manner(well, as tasteful as rape can be), i feel it is ok to be included.
I would prefer it be completely out of the media, but as we all know, that isn't going to happen. I just hope rape doesn't become another issue we as a society become desensitized to.
Do I think they use rape scenes for money and ratings? Huh...here is a secret...Money and ratings are what they are in business for. Everything they do, they do for money/ratings, which are the same in the end. They give the people what they want, albeit on a subconscious level at times. Rape is still taboo, people want taboo. People get off on sex and violence, rape provides both. 'We can get off on things that repulse and upset us too. We can and do seek things that our brains tell us are icky and that frighten us.
I'm uncomfortable with it. I choose to not watch because it leaves lingering disturbing images and thoughts and feelings. But there are other things that I watch that might do the same in others.
These shows DO get people talking, and the subject out there as well. Your blog is a prime example.
Many people, many reactions, many choices.
Mixed feelings really.
Most people don't understand that rape depictions can feed a fetish.An appalling number of websites actually feature "unwilling sex"...and they cater to that market. Rape is one of those thorny issues---made worse when they uncover a false claim, such as the Duke Sports team. I've heard that case used a HUNDRED times since..."But what if she's lying?" To which I must counter..."But what is she's NOT?"
Private Practice did a hell of a job with this one...focusing on the victims anguish, and uncertainty, rather than making it look "sexy".
It was disturbingly real.
And yes, we need to understand what the crime is, and what it does to the victims. The only drawback? Charlotte looked liked she had been beaten. Most victims with those sort of injuries are not doubted. But what about the ones who aren't? What if the threat of violence or menace were all that it took? Most prosecutors will tell you point blank,. "no bruises, no conviction.",,,and generally, no case. As long as there are women who insist that "the slut is lying" to protect a man they care for or love, rape will remain what it is...limbo and pain for the victims.
my co worker was talking about the movie "the girl with the dragon tattoo," which i've also seen. i didn't like it because of the the rape scene (which was quite brutal), but he pointed out something interesting that he'd read:
people should watch that kind of scene. they should watch that kind of brutal rape scene. rape is not meant to titillate men. that scene depicted rape as it should be- horrid, painful, and brutal.
As a guy, its very VERY difficult for me to watch a movie or show that shows rape. I've had close friends of mine brutally raped. I get sick to my stomach when I see it - I know it is fake in the movies and TV but the depiction of it to me doesn't need to be shown. I get why its done, just prefer that it weren't ... just like in life...:/
Exposure is good, educating the public etc.
There needs to be more education about rape. I'm sick to death of the victim blaming that goes along with it. There's no other crime where the victim is treated so badly. There needs to be a more supportive environment for rape victim survivors. Some poor girl was raped this weekend at my university while she was out jogging near the dorms at 8:30pm. I've been pretty angry about that, especially when I saw comments on the news story blaming the victim.
I honestly feel nothing towards it as I've never even thought about it. I never went that far, but it's really all mindless entertainment really. And it's taboo as @ccccourage@xanga - says and we like taboo.
She's right. It is brutal. And there is no escape. In my personal opinion if there is going to be a rape scene it should be shown as is, brutal, cruel, sickening, something that makes your skin crawl, the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Something disturbing that haunts you. But it won't be nearly as bad as the real thing.
I think that its depicted to much and to often ( in a non chalant manner, its a serious issue!), people are getting desensitized to it, and i don't think that can help. i don't think we should stop depictions of it completely, there needs to be more proper awareness made of the subject.
rape is such a touchy subject.
no matter what, you're going to piss someone off.
helping victims and gaining views. win-win.
I feel as though it's a start in the right direction that we need to be more upfront about rape and show how horrifying it can be, full screen and not. What better way to understand a rape then having to witness it on the new-age god? It CAN be used to start up serious topics and discussions based on the links you provided. BUT, many people may take it as a form of drama rather than a serious situation; and thus disregard it. In addition, it may have accidental consequences. Basically, I think it works depending on how the people read and interpret the message the actors portray.
I don't like that statistic though. None of it factors in totality of the circumstances and criminal procedure. The police can't barge into our homes barring exigency (usually depicted by these cases) or else 4th amendment is really gone. Secondly, people argue, shout, and scream without bashing heads, which is hard to determine. Thirdly,the victim's testimony flip-flops routinely (Notice how he's a total monster by day 1 and an easily angered sweetheart by day 4) and it really ties up the police's hands. There have also been cases where women have mistaken their rapists (ask Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton) upon which some rapists were really innocent! And it's because the abusers don't testify out of fear that cause shoddy stories on their behalf. Does it factor in bail paid by abused? does it factor in abuse victim psychology?
Domestic Abuse and Rape is horrible, but I'm not quick to condemn based on "That's him, I'm sure of it!" after reading the Jennifer Thompson case.
I think most shows depict rape scenes very well. And I think people should sit down and watch them. Rape is real, and it is experienced by someone, multiple people, every single day. People should know how horrible it is without having to experience it.
When I was 17 I was raped by someone I thought was one of my best friends. I never reported it because I honestly I felt at fault. No,I wasnt wearing provocative clothes(A pair of green cargo pants((loose)),a black up to the collar bone spaghetti strap and a jean jacket), No I wasnt being flirtatious. I was simply hanging out with him something Id done a million times. Afterwards I felt disgusted. I felt like for whatever reason It was my fault. I think alot of women feel this way. It took me to meeting the man who is my husband now, to realize that it WASNT my fault and I should have spoken up. I think,even though its hard to watch(I saw this episode of Private Practice and it gave me nightmares of my own rape) it should be something people are more aware of. People dont understand the effects of rape on someones mind,body and soul. I dont think enough people realize how hard it is on the victum. I definately think it should be out there because no matter how hard it is on someone its something not enough people know or care about. I agree with Addison, it should be reported. They can hurt again.
I personally cant watch it. But thats because i was raped ((ALOT)) as a kid by my now ex-step brother. I never told anyone and half the time im okay because i just dont think about it, but when seeing it on tv or something it just brings everything rushing back. And it hurts, i never told the cops or my parents or anything i dont know why. Well i have what i think are my reasons. But i dont know. I knew he wouldnt do anything to anyone else and i grew up in a tough house, abuse, alcohol, and alot of other shitty things and i just figured if he was messing with me he would leave my sister alone. And even though i shouldnt have i loved my family and i didnt want to break them up, and honestly i was scared if i told what he would do, or what his dad would do because he was a tad bit nuts. My mom loves me and i know that and i think it would hurt her that she had us in that type of situation. Besides hes in jail for robbery now anyways. But i find it very hard to watch on tv personally i dont care why they do it or if they do i just change the channel or watch something else if a part like that comes on.
It will never change no matter how much we want it to.
i find it disturbing which is why i dread episodes on csi miami or law and order.. criminal minds.. that depicts rape.. i know it's just fiction but still.. it disturbs me to a point where i completely change channel until it's to a pleasant scene or towards the end when it's a happily ever after ending.. rape needs to be known more and there should be done more to keep it from happening so often.. it can't be preventable but maybe we can do more to keep it from happening every so often..
Um, how about a whole series dedicated to it? Law and Order SVU practically deals with rape stories in every episode. I think they do a good job though, they do their research for sure. They will never be able to capture what it's really like though. I think only people who have experienced it can...