Professor Young
ENGW_1101_3P
20 October 2016
True Protection?
After the rape of Willa in Friendswood, Dex goes to the police to report the crime. While he is there, he speaks with Officer Garcia. Following protocol, Mr. Garcia goes to the Lambert's home to follow up the accusation against Cully Holbrook. Mr. Garcia asks Willa questions so he can proceed with the case and so she can get justice. Willa's parents try to stop Willa from speaking to him about her rape, especially her father. Mr. Lambert, Willa's father, says things such as, "We don't want this out." and "Stop talking to them. They can't help us. That's all you have to say." (Steinke 334-335). Willa's parents are worried about protecting their own image. They would like to keep Willa's assault as quiet as possible without everyone finding out so they can protect their image as good, protective parents.
Willa's father is also trying to protect her from reliving the rape, as he says, "Our daughter will be dragged through it again, and in the end, it will just be her word against theirs. What's the try in that?" (Steinke 335). He does not want Willa to have to be interrogated and picked apart, especially with public audience. He wants to protect her from that pain and move on; however, he is not allowing Willa to make the decision. Ultimately, it is Willa's decision on whether or not she would like to press charges, yet her parents are not allowing her to make this decision. They have made the decision for her. No police. No court. Move on. Mr. Lambert is right that it can be a painful experience, which can be seen in the video below. It can be devastating and heart breaking and unbearable for victims of sexual assault, yet it can bring some victims peace and allow them to heal and move forward. Every victim is different and that is why it is important for the victim to decide on their own whether or not to press charges. Although Willa's parents are trying to protect her, they may also be barricading her from making peace with her assault.
Works Cited
Steinke, Rene. Friendswood. New York: Riverhead, 2014. Print.
The quotes used helps understand the mindset of the parents and how isolated they are in their own way of thinking. The video also helps with understanding of the victim's struggle and it is their decision whether or not they chose to proceed with a trial. However, are Willa's parents more interested in protecting Willa or themselves?
ReplyDeleteGood question Geoff. What do you think?
DeleteSo would you say Taylor's parents are acting from a place of love or are being self-centered?
ReplyDeleteYour video ties illustrates perfectly why rape victims don't like to move forward.
--Prof. Young