(Untitled)

[10pmpacifictime]

I honestly never thought I could be pissed off by a commentary.  Although I do get deeply involved in shows, I don't usually let them affect me at a deep level, it's all surface.  But the dismissal of the rape elements in the Stargate Atlantis episode "Irresistible" commentary has me angry nearly beyond words.  The fact that they didn't think of it

Comments

[superquail]

I think you have every reason to be angry, though I have not seen the episode or even watched the series. One of the things I really liked about Buffy was how when they brought up these sorts of issues (like casting a love spell on someone to make it impossible for him/her to resist you) there are serious consequences to that, and the act is viewed as an enormous transgression and betrayal of trust.

It might be fair to say that everyone fantasizes that they could seduce the person they are crushing on in absolutely effortless fashion, but there is a difference between that and fantasizing about drugging and raping someone.

[10pmpacifictime]

I understand how they didn't think about it. Substance abuse rape still does not have the same kind of awareness that it should and the abusive character (although comedic) does have dark elements. But the fact that after hearing those concerns they dismissed it as "not intended" and just moved on from there.

[superquail]

That is one of the most infuriating arguments. "That's not what I mean to do" does not equal "That's not what I did." You know what I mean? If somebody steps on your foot by accident and does not intend to hurt you, does that mean it doesn't hurt? Does that mean they aren't still obligated to say that they are sorry and take you to the hospital if they break your toes? I think not.

[10pmpacifictime]

I agree. It was one thing for me to watch the episode and think, "There are problems here and I'm sure if someone had pointed it out they'd realize their mistake." But to hear them say, "We heard the argument and didn't think it was a problem."