Isn’t the world just a case study in ugly misogyny at the moment? I mean even more than usual.
If you’re finding yourself horrified by the Roman Polanksi coverage then you really must see Kate Harding unpick what must be the ultimate in “Don’t you know who I am?” behaviour. And I defy any of those directors who signed that ‘Free Polanski’ petition to dramatise this transcript as anything other than a rape.
Although their entire art revolves around being able to identify and empathise with human emotions, only one or two Hollywood directors actually seems capable of doing so when it comes to a thirteen year old girl instead of a rich, white man.. like themselves. Thank you director Luc Besson for some reasonableness:
This is a man who I love a lot and know a little bit. Our daughters are good friends. But there is one justice, and that should be the same for everyone. I will let justice happen… I don’t have any opinion on this, but I have a daughter, 13 years old. And if she was violated, nothing would be the same, even 30 years later.
On how the world is still not getting Samantha Gailey’s point of view as the survivor? You really must, must read Melissa McEwan’s piece here.
And still more antidotes to the ugliness here in case your brain is still cringing in horror at the misogyny.
Also, just a quick note to the many people who think Polanski should be given some kind of mercy because he has had great tragedy in his life and is now an old man. Let me assure you that many, many child rapists will have endured tragedy in their lives and I hope you are opening your heart up to them too. Start with Josef Fritzl and work your way back from there. (The line is long).
Edit: (More good links: Katha Pollitt, and this over at New Matilda).
blue milk 
Absolutely. The rapist must face the consequences.
Damn right – my mind is boggling at the way some people are talking about this story.
Bah, it’s sickening how Famous Guy can get away with anything, and not just get away with it but be *supported* in getting away with it, as if the fact that he fled justice for so long somehow wipes the slate clean or was so hard for him that no one should hurt him anymore.
I sincerely hope the Swiss don’t give in to the pressure of these idiots.
Ay, ’twas my call too. It’s all quite bizarre.
It’s absolutely disgusting how many apologists there on it. Rosemary’s Baby was a great movie, but it doesn’t earn you the kind of credit that makes raping a child something you can just walk away from.
I hope he goes to jail for the rest of his life.