I never do this, but….
By
Published: Mar 10, 2011
March 10, 2011 — A few days ago, the New York Times published a story about the rape of an 11-year old girl in Texas by as many 18 men, some teenagers, some adults. A few of the suspects proudly recorded the attack on their video-equipped cell phones. Almost as incredible as the attack: in his article, the Times reporter extensively quoted members of the community, who said “She dressed older than her age, wearing makeup and fashions more appropriate to a woman in her 20s” and “These boys have to live with this the rest of their lives” — classic “blame the victim” remarks that were uncontested in the article and suggest a greater concern for the alleged perpetrators than the victim. Here’s the Times piece. I urge you to read it for yourself. And then, if you feel like signing an online petition calling on the Times to issue an apology and publish an editorial from a victim’s rights expert, click here. [March 12 update: Arthur Brisbane, the Public Editor of the Times, has commented. Reader outrage, he said, is "understandable." A follow-up piece is planned.]