...WTF.

[_tyke]

Originally posted by lavenderfrost at ...WTF.
Well, there goes my good mood for the day.

NYTimes, the bastion of quality reporting, reported on the gang-rape of an 11 year-old girl in Texas  that's led to charges against 18 high-school boys so far - all well and good so far, right?  Shit like this NEEDS publicity to raise awareness.

Only problem is, they

Comments

[odyssey_road]

Yeah - if this happened in some village in Pakistan, these same Texans would be decrying the brutality of Islamic culture. But because it happened here, she must have done something to deserve it. It's just sickening. How could they not find a single token quote that wasn't blaming the victim? I don't get it.

[takemewithy0u]

You have got to be fucking kidding me! Seriously? She was asking for it? Can I just go over there and smack all of them upside the head with a shovel?

[_tyke]

Do it!

[poesprincess]

I've read this and it's honestly disgusting that there is anyone who could view it the way that it's being reported by the NYT. :/

[_tyke]

People are ridiculous.

[faceless_facade]

I'm confused as to why the NYT should be ashamed...? They reported the story as the Community saw it. I don't think they stood behind what the Community said. It could have been worded better- like this article:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13094538&page=1

"Residents who live nearby told The Associated Press this week that they had seen the girl, dressed provocatively and in makeup, hanging out near the area both before and after Nov. 28. Some in the town expressed doubts about the case, even suggesting authorities should consider culpability on the part of the girl."

But I absolutely agree that something has to change in our culture.

[odyssey_road]

You should read the Mother Jones article on this subject. Here's a quote:

This is the point at which, as the writer's editor, I would send him an email. "Dear James," it would say. "Thanks for getting this in! I have some concerns that we've only got quotes from people who are worried about the suspects ('The arrests have left many wondering who will be taken into custody next') and think the girl was asking for it, especially since, even if she actually begged for it, the fact that she is 11 makes the incident stupendously reprehensible (not to mention still illegal). We don't want anyone wrongly thinking you are being lazy or thoughtless or misogynist! Please advise if literally no other kinds of quotes are available because every single person who lives in Cleveland, Texas, is a monster."

The NYT article was sloppy reporting, period.

[faceless_facade]

I agree you with 100%. My point is just simply that it was the reporter that didn't do his/her job efficiently and doesn't necessarily reflect the views of the NYT. Another article on this situation with much more emphasis on the damage those boys have done would be more accurate.

But I suppose the only way to change the reporters understanding of what he/she did wrong is to bitch to the NYT.

[koken23]

Oh my god.

Poor child. That poor little girl :(

[_tyke]

I know, it is so sick.