Private Practice and Victim Blaming...

Let me just start this blog by saying that I have seen maybe three episodes ever of Grey's Anatomy and have NEVER seen an episode of Private Practice, which is apparently a spin off of the latter. So, when an actress from Private Practice, Kadee Strickland appeared on The View, I coulnd't care less. However, Kadee was on the show to explain a new storyline on Private Practice , where her character (who is in charge of the hospital in some way and newly engaged) is raped by a stranger in her office. She explained how many women will be able to relate to the story and that her character is sevrely beaten during the rape. She also said, "I'm extremely honored" in reference to portraying this storyline. Let's deconstruct, shall we?

1. It is completely insensitive and condescending to tell rape survivors that you're so "honored" to play us. It's more of this, "Good girl for getting through what we all feel is inevitable" bullshit. Actors who play characters with disabilities say the same thing and it's STILL condescending. I didn't get raped for you honor, so why don't you shut up about it.

2. I am getting really tired of non survivors playing survivors (Law & Order SVU, Lifetime, etc.) Let's try something new like a survivor playing survivor because these portrayals are not accurate.

3. No, most women CAN'T relate to this storyline because OVERWHELMINGLY rape is portrayed in the media as stranger rape when the majorities are acquaintance, friend, relative, etc. Furthermore, KaDee's character is rich, white, insured,and has a great support system. So, her story is more representative of the Lifetime breed. Her attacker is white though, which is at least statistically accurate. However the severity of the rape supports the myth that extremely violent rapes are "real" rapes.

4. I watched the show and it was full of victim blaming for KaDee's character as well as other survivors. Her fighting back was mentioned over and over and over as if a reminder that she didn't want this. As if trying to stab someone is the only way to say no? Her fiance has an emotional breakdown moment when he sees the scene of the crime and says, "She's 90 pounds soaking wet but she still fought back" almost in admiration. KaDee's character also chooses not to tell anyone (except her best friend who just sort of found out). Her friend tells her, "But what if other women are raped..blah, blah, blah." Okay, I agree with her friend. We have to look out for each other right? But if MY rapist rapes someone else it is HIS fault. I completely understand that prosecuting a rapist is the only chance at getting him behind bars...trust me. But this line of logic leaves OUT the RAPIST. HELLLOOOOO? And while you're bleeding and just had a rape kit done is probably not the best time to say this.

5. I won't comment on KaDee's silence on the rape yet. I need to see how the rest of the season plays out. Because, a rape isn't just an hour, it's a lifetime...a very PERSONAL lifetime. So, I'll give the show a little slack. But as for victim blaming and relating to women...FAIL!

6. Two great moments occurred during this show. KaDee's friends stayed in the waiting room for her the night of the rape while she was in her hospital room. That was very cool (rare but cool to see) and at one point a man says he's tired and is it okay if he went home to sleep? The only friend aware of the rape goes off him (Hells Yeah!) and says that sure he can go home in sleep because HE won't be afraid to sleep again and it didn't happen to HIM. Get you some! That was bad ass! And again when KaDee's character lay in the hospital bed her fiance called her a "victim". She responds by throwing her food tray at him and saying, "Don't ever call me a victim again or this marriage is off!" Hells Yeah again! I think this may be the opening for the term "survivor" later on in the show. We'll see. So let's.