Monday, November 24, 2008

MESA in the News

Boulder Weekly published a great article about ending sexual assault this week. It also highlights the Men Standing Up program, and the ways that men have been involved in the movement.

Check it out, HERE.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Victim Blaming those "Drunk Chicks"

So TMZ reported today that the host of "Human Weapon", Jason Chambers, was arrested for an alleged sexual assault.

In a follow up post, they posted a video with the headline "Celeb Rape Suspect Was a Drunk Chick Magnet" The post reads as follows:
By the way the drunk chicks were flocking toward Jason Chambers when we caught him out in Hollywood in October, it's hard to believe the former History Channel host would be arrested for allegedly raping someone only a few weeks later.

But he was -- and he'll be back in court December 5.


Understandably, the charges are pending, and it is America-- innocent until proven guilty. But let's discuss the media coverage, shall we? Is the post sarcastic because it's impossible to believe that "drunk chicks" could be raped? Or because he is a host of a History Channel program? Where is the responsibility here? Not surprisingly, the victim-blaming that exists in the post exacerbates the readers' victim-blaming in the comments.

Is it possible, TMZ, that the "drunk chicks" are particularly vulnerable targets, that some men may take advantage of? Perhaps we should be putting responsibility where it is due.

source

"Nude Priest Gets Probation, Will Register as Sex Offender"

According to an article in the Boulder Camera today:

"Robert Whipkey, 53, was serving at parishes in Erie, Mead and Frederick when he was arrested and placed on leave. This summer, Whipkey was found guilty of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor that carries mandatory registration as a sex offender for at least 10 years."


While the case may not sound that provocative, there is an incredible discussion following the article in the "comments" section-- causing the article to be labeled "hot" by the online Camera. [see comments HERE] The discussion mainly centers around the question "what behaviors mandate the registering a sex offender?". There are some very interesting points that are being raised.

Here is the rest of the story:
“This conviction has cost me my career and my life,” said Whipkey, according to a report in the Greeley Tribune.

Judge Timothy Kerns said the nude jogging was a manifestation of a bigger issue that needs to be treated, according to the Tribune.

The Weld County District Attorney’s Office reported that a lawyer for Whipkey has alerted the court of his intention to appeal the case. Whipkey will not have to register as a sex offender while the appeal is underway.

Nine years ago, the Archdiocese investigated Whipkey for “inappropriate personal behavior” when he was pastor of St. Anthony’s parish in Sterling. In that case, Sterling police said they looked into reports that 11-year-old boys had seen Whipkey naked at a summer camp. But the boys didn’t file formal complaints, and no charges were filed.


Do you think that the previous actions change the investigation or case at all?
What do you think about who should register as an offender or not?

source

What is Men Standing Up?

Moving to End Sexual Assault's Men's Prevention Education program in Boulder, Colorado is dedicated to raising awareness about rape prevention. Studies show that that men and boys hear a message about ending sexual violence better from other males, making men’s involvement crucial in creating lasting social change.