Stop Talking About Brock Turner
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Stop Talking About Brock Turner

Why we need to stop shouting his name and focus on taking action.

21
Stop Talking About Brock Turner

It's been a mere three months since Brock Turner's name was all over the national headlines for receiving a minimal sentence for "twenty minutes of action." Letters were written, petitions were made, and there was outrage from women and men alike, but there was no change to his charges. Three short months after what should have been a 14-year sentence, Brock Turner was released for "good behavior" just as promised. After serving half of his original sentence it seems the only real punishment he got was having to become a registered sex offender. Maybe his dad will write another letter about how that's affecting him and his eating habits, so that's something to look forward to.

But all this talk about Brock Turner hasn't done much to change the society we live in. Every day similar situations occur that we never hear about. Girls that are raped by strangers or even people they consider their friends. Victims who never step forward to report the incident because they're ashamed or scared of what could happen next. And after the outcome of this case, that fear is validated. What's the point of stepping forward if all it means is a slap on the wrist of the rapist and a grossly shortened sentence for good behavior?

Turner shows no remorse for what he did. He doesn't care about the victim or her family and how their lives have been altered because he just couldn't control himself. Splashing his name all over the media isn't doing anything to comfort the woman of the world. It's showing rapists and other attackers that you could probably get off easy if you even get caught that is. If you're a privileged white male nothing bad can happen to you, right?

This is because we're not acting on this rape culture that's been created. Making headlines and just talking about what should have been done differently isn't helping anyone. Commenting on the victims clothing or behavior for being the cause is definitely not helping anyone, that just perpetuates the idea that "she was asking for it." Instead of warning girls not to get raped, we need to start teaching attackers not to rape. Showing that rapists get the proper punishment, no matter how special they were before the attack. Not shaming the victims who step forward and following through with investigations.

We can talk about the problems at hand all we want, but until there's action being taken, nothing is going to change. And even though Turner served a minimal sentence, at least he served time. Because the reality of it is, most rapists never even have to face a trial. Without any penalty, there's nothing stopping them from doing it again. Maybe this case will spark a fire that could change all this, but personally, I don't want to talk about Brock Turner anymore.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71276
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133400
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments