An Independent teaser to a story in our sister publication in the Naugatuck Valley prompted a debate about how to package stories about rape.
The original story, in the Valley Independent Sentinel, was headlined, “Man Faces 8 Years For Derby Sex Assault.”
A link to that story appeared Wednesday in the Extra Extra column of the New Haven Independent. The link’s headline quoted the rape victim quoting her attacker: “Take It Like A Good Girl — Like A Whore.”
An Independent started a discussion on her Facebook page with a critique of the headline. She argued that it was painful to read and should have been accompanied by a “trigger” warning. Other readers joined in the discussion, unanimously condemning the headline as insensitive and sensationalistic. One “horrified” reader described the headline as “totally sensationalized” — “no better than link bait.” Wrote another: “What happens when you post a headline like that is that is works the same way a graphic movie or image might for someone with PTSD. For people who have been raped it forces them to relive it.”
I responded that I found the victim’s testimony chilling and moving — and important for people to read. I thought this story was about not just a jail sentence, but a poignant and important and courageous decision by a rape victim to describe what really happens. I wanted readers to know that this story was about more than a routine court decision. I also argued that the press’s general policy of using euphemisms for the harsh language and actions involved in sexual harassment and assault ends up enabling attackers and their apologists to dismiss these horrific crimes as “no big deal.” I feel it’s important for the public to confront the reality of these crimes, including the brutality of the language involved.
That said, I also think the readers who commented on Facebook made excellent arguments. Editors regularly wrestle with how to handle profanity or hate speech — whether to convey the impact of the language by fully quoting it, or whether to avoid adding to the hurtful use of the language by publishing it. I shudder at the use of the word “kike,” for instance. Writing about the use of it in a criminal case, I would not publish the euphemisms that most media outlets use, such as “a four-letter epithet.” I would publish the word “kike” so readers can understand what exactly was said. On the other hand, it can become all too easy to decide to publish those words without taking into consideration the impact that publication has on victims — as readers have pointed out in the discussion about the rape headline.
What do you think? Register your opinion in our “True Vote” box.
I'm all for being fair to victims of crime and being sensitive to their needs. However, in this case, I think the headline was appropriate for highlighting just how violent the perpetrator was in this case. Too often sexual assault victims become the ones on trial. We erroneously spend a lot of time and resources teaching young women how not to become victims of sexual assault without pouring an ounce into teaching young men how not to become perpetrators. Part of the reason we become desensitized to stories of violence and discrimination is because we like to "pretty it up" with polite code words. That's dangerous. I applaud this very brave young woman for finding the strength to speak out and for reminding us how often people use their positions of power to intimidate and terrorize others. Kudos to this young woman and to the NHI for bringing this chilling story to our attention.