harsh judgment
There’s an issue in this country right now about American GIs who supposedly raped a Filipina last November 2005. The case was still under process and the verdict, which I’m quite sure, will create a total media chaos. At first, being a condemnatory retard that I am, I concluded that the victim was just creating an exposure or something. I have thought also that she was a prostitute and a woman of questionable character because why would a decent woman would let herself be in the company of five men—foreigner for that matter, in the wee hours of the night.
But based on the investigation, which an American GI whom she was a good friend with counteract the claims of his fellow GI’s that the victim willingly had a consensual sex with them, all the presumptions that I thought of her before was now gone. I believe in her credibility now that she was indeed raped and it made me a little bit ashamed to myself that I put a very harsh judgment on her character without weighing the evidence.
It’s not good that we, at some point, have become so jaded and tend to look beyond compassion. We made harsh judgment to other people without batting an eye, whether it’s just a simple rumor or plain gossip. Shameful indeed!
With regard to the media and the militant group covering the event, I just don’t understand why they put so much emphasis on this particular issue. Was it because it involves American soldiers and the attention that it will brew will cause an instant sympathy? What about those women who are constantly battling sexual abuses by their fathers or brothers or those who were being raped on daily basis? Why were not they represented by a competent court or given the necessary public exposure? Was it because they are just ordinary Filipinos that don’t cause the media to hyperventilate?
Why the double standard?
If they are really concerned about the holistic change…of stopping the sadistic treatment of women, then they should not look far enough because thousands are already suffering in front of their noses.
…just thinking aloud.
posted by jef at 12:26 AM
i think all this fuss with the subic rape case is due to the fact that it involves US serviceman.
sabi nga sa telebisyon dati, ito ay pagkakataon para maipakita ng ating hukuman ang kanilang pagiging responsable at makatarungan kahit pa ang nasasakdal ay anak ni uncle sam.
I agree with you but don't you think that ordinary filipinos must have an equal stand also with regard to issues like this...
you think papayagan ng US govt yan.. baka bawiin nila ang military package deal sa pinas?
When a person says no, that means no. Man or woman. I'm sorry, but in most of later cases in our court a victim's background in rape cases is irrilevant to the case and very (emphasis very) seldom alllows by the judge to be presented by the defense. So next time before any of you prejudge a rape case, remember it is something as serious as any crime and let the court decide.
Sir Vic, yes, you are 100% right and I stand corrected [which I emphasized on my entry] Crime, in whatever means, has no justifications whether the victim's backround raises a doubt.