Rape is a "So-Called Crime" In a Male-Dominated Culture

Roman Polanski- A Rapist Getting Off the Hook?

By Brianna Savoca

On "The View," Whoopi Goldberg says movie director Roman Polanski's guilty rape plea is "not a rape-rape." Studio executive Harvey Weinstein says Polanski's rape case is a "so-called crime."

If you have not heard the story, Roman Polanski pleaded guilty to having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 32 years ago in Los Angeles. Before he was sentenced, Polanski fled to France.

According to many public figures and celebrities, Polanski should be handed a get out of jail free card. Reality check- Rape is NOT monopoly.

Rape is a serious crime against women. Polanski's punishment should not be shrugged off after 30 years, while he roamed freely around Europe. What kind of message are we sending- It is okay for a 44-year-old man to have sex with a 13-year-old girl?

He was a mature adult, over three times her age. He needs to be held responsible for his actions, regardless of his credits as a director or the tragedies in his past (many have sympathy for his murdered wife.) It is extremely unfortunate his wife was murdered, but he RAPED a 13-year-old.

However, American culture praises hyper-masculinity, and the justice system riddled with sexism, seems to carelessly undermine the seriousness and gravity of rape. Rape is a crime of power and domination, and it should not be taken lightly as there are victims who suffer harsh repercussions post-rape.

Hopefully Polanski enjoyed his 32-year-long European holiday. Did he remember to send postcards to his poor 13-year-old rape victim?

He probably forgot about her, just as the rest of the public figures supporting Polanski seem to have forgotten her too.