On attitudes toward rape

The article by Angela Black Attitudes to rape: The media's role published in The Jakarta Post on June 12, addressed the media's role in understanding and in reporting the cowardly act of rape. Her point about a girl wearing a miniskirt is quite right, as from my experience here (male talk in the bar) men are animals, no matter what a girl is wearing.

The whole question of rape is such a sensitive, unpleasant and traumatic experience, that those who choose to report such incidents first need to understand the dreadful fears and horrific ordeals that are thrust upon a woman when faced with such a revolting act.

To have your body forcibly abused by someone who is no doubt physically stronger and most definitely prone to violence under such circumstances, is not only frightening, it is one of the lowest and most cowardly acts carried out by human beings. Thankfully, the vast majority of men only fantasize about such actions -- although fantasize they most certainly do.

Rape is probably the tip of the iceberg, as many other lesser demeaning acts are commonplace in a country that appears to show little respect for women. Indonesia is apparently on the long slow road toward gender equality, but if Aceh province is an example of the direction, then sadly they have got off to a bad start.

Equality is all about freedom, as is democracy, whereas hypocrisy is about pretending that you even understand what it all means. The other point made by Angela Black about moralistic judgments is also very valid. There is nothing worse than having the holy of holes voicing an opinion about the sexual habits of the human race, when no doubt they themselves, like many in the churches, participate in all kinds of malpractices.

As regards to the journalistic side, perhaps rape would be best handled by a woman reporter, who would at least understand sensitivity and the traumas experienced, whereas men would struggle to spell the words, let alone understand what they mean.

DAVID WALLIS

Medan, North Sumatra