Trivializing Rape is Not OK

5 Comments

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• Gnat72 | January 24, 2012 12:18 PMReply

  I'm a big believer that language is key to putting most things in context (combating the actions speak louder than words, to some degree). I just want to point out that language is always evolving (even when cultures try actively to minimize change). The OED's first definition of rape is as follows: The act of taking anything by force; violent seizure (of goods), robbery. The second definition is: The act of carrying away a person, esp. a woman, by force. I like a good outcry, but this one seems somewhat misplaced.

• Perry | January 21, 2012 11:04 PMReply

  Rape in Hollywood, real or celluloid, is apparently just a plot point. And for the insensitive Ms. Novak, a PR move.

• Rena | January 20, 2012 12:14 PMReply

  Amen. Shameful.

• The Questioner | January 16, 2012 3:03 AMReply

  With the Polanski apologists and these ludicrous comments from Novak and her manager, it would be easy to assume that Hollywood is a peaceful, blissfully safe Utopia far removed from the reality of sexual violence. But we know that ain't true.
  
  The fact that sexual harassment and assault---including rape and child molestation---are endemic at all levels of the entertainment industry makes dismissive comments like Novak's and Johnny Depp's that much more infuriating. If Novak or Depp really wanted to educate themselves about the reality of being a sexual assault survivor, they could start with some of their own industry peers. But then again, Hollywood has never been in the business of examining itself, has it?

• Allison | January 12, 2012 2:25 PMReply

  First Johnny Depp, now Kim Novak. I am not so surprised anymore that the film industry has its Polanski apologists, they think so little of rape.