Spring Break
CCSU Op Editor Calls Rape 'Magical'
Brendan Cox
Issue date: 2/9/07 Section: News
Controversy was widespread at a nearby college Thursday as students rallied for the resignation of a newspaper editor who authored a piece glorifying rape, calling it a "magical experience that benefits society as a whole."
The Recorder, the campus newspaper of Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain, published the piece "Rape Only Hurts If You Fight It," which was written by Opinion Editor John Petroski.
"We are more than aware that we overstepped our boundaries and made a mistake," said The Recorder's Editor-in-Chief Mark Rowan. "In a lapse of judgment, we allowed a satirical article that does not represent the newspaper, and most importantly, the university."
Petroski's article cites examples from ancient Roman history in defense of rape, saying that it was a "tremendous help to society."
"Where would the Romans be, after all, if it weren't for the rape of Lucretia … If it weren't for that event, the world might have never had the Roman Republic for the pristine example of a flawless government," the article read.
The piece goes on to extol rape's benefits to "ugly women" and prison inmates, saying that it helps unattractive women know the "joys of intercourse with a man who isn't drunk," and that it helps ease prisoners' boredom.
The Progressive Student Alliance (PSA), a CCSU student group, held a rally Thursday in outrage to the publication of the article.
Offended students have also protested Petroski's controversial satire by vandalizing the area outside of the newspaper's office and stealing property.
"Their rally was laughable," Rowan said. "They're uneducated about freedom of speech and unorganized - they're not channeling their anger in an appropriate manner. We've had to call the police several times today."
Rowan said that the protestors, which also included women's rights and gay and lesbian rights groups, had called for his and Petroski's resignation. At this time neither has agreed to resign.
The Recorder, the campus newspaper of Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain, published the piece "Rape Only Hurts If You Fight It," which was written by Opinion Editor John Petroski.
"We are more than aware that we overstepped our boundaries and made a mistake," said The Recorder's Editor-in-Chief Mark Rowan. "In a lapse of judgment, we allowed a satirical article that does not represent the newspaper, and most importantly, the university."
Petroski's article cites examples from ancient Roman history in defense of rape, saying that it was a "tremendous help to society."
"Where would the Romans be, after all, if it weren't for the rape of Lucretia … If it weren't for that event, the world might have never had the Roman Republic for the pristine example of a flawless government," the article read.
The piece goes on to extol rape's benefits to "ugly women" and prison inmates, saying that it helps unattractive women know the "joys of intercourse with a man who isn't drunk," and that it helps ease prisoners' boredom.
The Progressive Student Alliance (PSA), a CCSU student group, held a rally Thursday in outrage to the publication of the article.
Offended students have also protested Petroski's controversial satire by vandalizing the area outside of the newspaper's office and stealing property.
"Their rally was laughable," Rowan said. "They're uneducated about freedom of speech and unorganized - they're not channeling their anger in an appropriate manner. We've had to call the police several times today."
Rowan said that the protestors, which also included women's rights and gay and lesbian rights groups, had called for his and Petroski's resignation. At this time neither has agreed to resign.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 84
Kim R Meacham
posted 2/09/07 @ 10:08 AM EST
I have not read the actual editorial but it appears from this article that the editorial was intended to be read as satire.
Humor, particularly satire, provide a jagged edge that has been effectively used for centuries to call our attention to our imbalanced and cruel thoughts and actions. (Continued…)
me
posted 2/09/07 @ 10:11 AM EST
freedom of speech is almost entirely irrelevent here. there are some lines you don't cross and they crossed it. to say, even, in jest, that rape is at all a good thing is sick and disturbing. (Continued…)
Damned
posted 2/09/07 @ 11:31 AM EST
Well, what do we have here... Alright, so this piece was all about humor, a joke for people to look and laugh at. As far as being offended, perhaps you should consider havuing an open mind. (Continued…)
Richard Frankz
posted 2/09/07 @ 11:44 AM EST
As a recording artist and one who has a daughter, I find this repulsive, highly disturbing and in my personal opinion, the writer of this article should be prosecuted. (Continued…)
search
posted 2/09/07 @ 12:02 PM EST
me: Wow, freedom of speech is irrelevant here? Where do you get off saying that? Do you even know what satire IS? Jesus Christ.
The fact that he's got you all up and about over rape is probably why he wrote the article, dumbass. (Continued…)
Eroom Tam
posted 2/09/07 @ 12:06 PM EST
There seems to be an underlying theme here about just how far does the First Amendment go and what is *too* offensive to be covered by freedom of speech and is therefore a crime? CCSU president even said the First Amendment should not apply to "such hateful speech. (Continued…)
Wes Strong
posted 2/09/07 @ 12:07 PM EST
Hi all I am the CCSUPSA president and i have it on good accord that this article classifies as inciting language meaning that it has language that may incite a riot and hence is removed from the arguement of freedom of speech. (Continued…)
Biff Muscleworth
posted 2/09/07 @ 12:27 PM EST
Did you know that rape is only traumatic because of the stigma we've attached to it, because we've painted it as the supreme violation of a person? There's a tribe, recently encountered in the Amazon jungle, which literally has no concept of rape. (Continued…)
Rhonda
posted 2/09/07 @ 12:31 PM EST
As a rape survivor, and a Defender of the Consitution... this article disgusts me... but I 100% support their right to publish it.
Leave them alone. (Continued…)
Thomas Long
posted 2/09/07 @ 12:31 PM EST
Well, I am educated in matters of free speech. I have a journalism degree and several years of experience as a newspaper and wire service journalist. And I can tell the difference between satire and 'hate speech. (Continued…)
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