Dishonorable Mention

So, Duke has made the headlines again. And this time, it's not for a noteworthy study or any astounding research or even an honorable mention. Nope. Turns out the lacrosse team may be in a bit of trouble. News of the alleged gang-rape by several lacrosse team members has made national news, and can be found at the top of almost every major websites news stories.

This has got me to wondering, why is it that this story has peaked the interest of so many? Consider the following statistics:

-One out of every four college women have experienced rape or attempted rape.

-One in seven college women will be raped before they graduate, and 90% will know their attacker.

-One out of twelve college men in a 1988 study admitted that they committed acts that meet the legal definition of rape or attempted rape, but only 1% of them consider the behavior criminal in nature.

So, what is it that makes this story at Duke so special? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it whenever eyes are turned to the plight of women in this country who, without fear, just want to get an education, or walk around at night, or (gasp) get drunk at a party, or even though I don't agree with it, to earn their living selling out as dancers for private parties for rich boys or pathetic boys or any other boys who for whatever reason must rely on paying for sexual enjoyment in some form or another.

I just disagree with the way the story is being handled. The real story here is the obscene amount of rape that occurs in this country on a daily basis and that college campuses seem to be the ideal setting for them.

When that's what's being discussed, then maybe things can start to change.