response to discussion in class

First of all, I think that rape is a very difficult subject to dissect. Because of this difficulty it is more reasonable to look at each case unique unto itself, because the circumstances and situations in which the rapes occur are the basis for which we must categorize it as rape or not and also to place blame on the “correct” person. It is very difficult to come to certain conclusions because of the ambiguity surrounding each rape case.
In the Richmond High School Rape Case, the blame was placed primarily on the community and school for fostering an environment that was prone to these kinds of acts. I do believe that the environment in which the boys who committed the gang rape did factor into their behavior, but I think this shouldn’t exempt the boys from punishment. The stereotypical “culture of Richmond” has an impact on each of the residents, but it is up to those residents and the people to move to change this “bad reputation.” While many efforts have been taken to improve the “culture,” these kinds of occurances deeply sadden me that there are people who are essentially making efforts to maintain the “culture” they have become so acclimated to. No one should be fearful at school and creating this fear only adds to the negativity surrounding Richmond, an effect those boys should both be ashamed of and punished for. In this case, it was clearly a vicious rape, a crime that is disgusting and
In the Greg Haidl case, the blame was not so decisive, it is a case filled with many different factors that are used to try to take the blame off of the boys and place it on the victim. However, the girl is just that: a victim. Sure she was promiscuous and drinking, but that doesn’t give the boys the right to rape and assault her. Also, despite the situation made possible by the parents, ultimately it was the boy’s decisions and actions that physically and emotionally hurt the female. Rape isn’t black and white, but doesn’t exempt those who commit it from blame.
In the Roman Polanski case was gross. I’m sorry but my own moral compass leads me to the conclusion that the massive age difference between the two is just wrong. The girl was much too young to realize what she was doing and how it would affect her. Sure she was a model, but she was subjected to such a different world where she was encouraged to be sexualized and mature, when she wasn’t of age to be this way. There are reasons why there are minor laws, to protect those too immature of making bad decisions. I’m quite interested in the mother of the girl, I would be very disappointed in my mother if she exploited me for her own personal gain. I don’t think that I agree with Polanski being extensively punished, but I do believe that he is to blame: he is older, he should have known better, bottom line.