The following is a Guest Post commentary:
Is it just me or are other people out there flabbergasted by all the support out there for Roman Polanski?Saying so much time has passed, they should just let it be.He has contributed so much to the world of film.He has a new life with a new family. Even his rape victim has spoken out in his defense, saying the courts have done more harm than the actual rape.Now, as anyone who has known me for any length of time knows, I have major trouble with the “turn the other cheek” concept.It is one of my most difficult struggles, as I tend to be more of the “eye for an eye” mentality.All that aside, he committed a heinous act (drugged and raped a minor).He fled the country before being sentenced.What are we saying as a society if we allow this to “be.”Make like it never happened.What’s next?I know society has pretty well much gone down the drain.But, really, have we sunk this low?So much time has passed, it doesn’t matter any more?What does that say to other rape victims out there?
He also paid a settlement amount to his victim.Being that she was a minor, I am guessing the money went to her parents.I have a question, where were they when the rape was occurring?In a report I read, it stated the mother supposedly pushed her child into the photography session.Where was the father?Why are parents not held liable for the safety of their own children?And what is up with all these settlement deals?Are we now putting a price on our children’s innocence?When did this become acceptable?I understand the need to shield victims, particularly abuse victims.Rape trials usually are as hideous as the rape itself.This has a lot do with the fact that society tends to hold the victim partially, if not completely, responsible when someone is abused, raped, violated in any manner.We think, well, she must have done something to provoke it.Or, if she was being abused why didn’t she leave?Ever been raped or abused and then gone on the witness stand and been cross-examined?It is hell.But you come through it, you stand your ground and you come out at the other end of this particular hell a stronger person.It does take a lot to stand your ground though and look at the cross-examining attorney in the eye and tell them, yes, this did happen and it was wrong.Sometimes it is so much easier to just turn away and try to forget it all ever happened. In the Polanski matter, a lot of his supporters are saying it was consensual.Really?A minor consenting to sex with an adult?So, if she said yes, if he convinced her, talked her into it, that makes it right?Am I missing something here?
There are others out there who have gone through this particular hell, or are going through it, and they need a voice.You have to face your demons, if you run away from them, they will haunt you forever.And if we continue to just slap the perpetrators on the wrist, if we say well, so much time has passed, let’s just let it be, then we are saying to the rapists, it’s okay to do this.And these hideous acts will continue, because there are no serious consequences for committing them.Polanski should be extradited to the U.S., sent to prison and serve his sentence.This would at least send the message that yes, you may be into sex with minors, you may talk them into agreeing to have sex with you, you may have money and influence, but it is still wrong and you will be caught, you will be held liable and you will serve your sentence.No matter how much time passes. In closing, I have a question for Mr. Polanski. He is the father of two children.What would his reaction be if this were to happen to one of his children?Would he want the perpetrator prosecuted?Or would he help the rapist flee the country and start a whole new life?
~ by Barbie Rodriguez