Spring Break
Who is big brother to 'Big Brother Africa 2'?
Sara Spivey
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Opinion
- < prev Page 2 of 2
The incident occurred Oct. 27, and major newspapers didn't start picking up on the story until Oct. 30, during which time they became inundated with messages from readers who want the television network, and the man, held responsible for their actions, or lack thereof.
When finally questioned about the incident, the man's response was, "Well, this is Africa."
His words, the words of a suspected rapist, are a glaring example of the problems that women in Africa face. The problem is larger than this one case. If a man's argument is "Well, this is Africa," then it becomes immediately obvious that attitudes about sex and rape in Africa need to be examined.
I know - we all knew that already.
The reality is that sexual violence happens every day to a lot of people. And if reality television is really depicting reality, in a show such as "Big Brother" where contestants are filmed 24 hours a day, eventually sexual assault is bound to be videotaped or shown live for all the world to see.
People are more likely to let their guard down and engage in potentially risky sexual behavior when they are under the influence of alcohol.
It's what producers of shows such as "Real World" and "Big Brother" are counting on for ratings. It's why they give their participants unlimited tabs at the nightclub and a well-stocked bar at home.
Women get drunk and put their trust in people they barely know, and when something like this Oct. 27 incident occurs, it should be criminal for the television network to not step in and stop it.
Sara Spivey is the Spartan Daily executive editor. "Off the Record" appears Mondays.
When finally questioned about the incident, the man's response was, "Well, this is Africa."
His words, the words of a suspected rapist, are a glaring example of the problems that women in Africa face. The problem is larger than this one case. If a man's argument is "Well, this is Africa," then it becomes immediately obvious that attitudes about sex and rape in Africa need to be examined.
I know - we all knew that already.
The reality is that sexual violence happens every day to a lot of people. And if reality television is really depicting reality, in a show such as "Big Brother" where contestants are filmed 24 hours a day, eventually sexual assault is bound to be videotaped or shown live for all the world to see.
People are more likely to let their guard down and engage in potentially risky sexual behavior when they are under the influence of alcohol.
It's what producers of shows such as "Real World" and "Big Brother" are counting on for ratings. It's why they give their participants unlimited tabs at the nightclub and a well-stocked bar at home.
Women get drunk and put their trust in people they barely know, and when something like this Oct. 27 incident occurs, it should be criminal for the television network to not step in and stop it.
Sara Spivey is the Spartan Daily executive editor. "Off the Record" appears Mondays.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 3
wendy
posted 11/05/07 @ 1:03 AM PST
Please get your facts straight or somehow get to see the clips. If anything the guy was sexually assaulted by the woman, who ground herself furiously against him while trying to kiss him. (Continued…)
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