Victim-Blaming Failed In Big Little Lie's Season 2 Finale | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Victim-Blaming Met It's Match In The Season 2 Finale Of 'Big Little Lies'

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. (Here's your spoiler warning for season two of 'Big Little Lies'!

156
Victim-Blaming Met It's Match In The Season 2 Finale Of 'Big Little Lies'
Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

The six episodes leading up to the season two finale of HBO's 'Big Little Lies' was full of drama, fights, hookups, and a whole lot of lies. When the seventh and final episode of the season started, viewers were biting their nails with anticipation while sitting on the edge of their seat.

Mary Louise's main claim for gaining custody of Max and Josh was that Celeste is ill and unfit to raise children because she has a "sickness". Throughout the entire season—especially in the courtroom—whenever Celeste mentioned how her late husband would beat her, Mary Louise would always blame the abuse on her.

Because Perry's abuse would sometimes lead to sex, Mary Louise tried to use victim-blaming to present Celeste as a "sick" person who enjoyed being assaulted; according to Mary Louise, any mother who would use violence that leads to sex should not be raising young children.

This tendency of blaming the victim of sexual assault and even rape is all too common. If a woman is raped, she may be asked by someone, "well, what were you wearing?" The suggestion that a woman's actions, attire, or words are responsible for the abuse she received is, sadly, very real.

Even women who haven't actually been assaulted have experienced these types of suggestions. If a guy catcalls a girl and speaks very explicitly about the things he wants to do to her even though she expresses that she's uncomfortable, someone may ask her, "haven't you two been flirting for a few weeks? How could you not expect that he's into you and wants to hook up?"

If I were to tell my male peers about how I sometimes get followed around off-campus, I bet at least one of them would ask, "well, were you wearing anything sexy?" One guy who I used to be very close with had the nerve to say, "maybe you should stop wearing such revealing clothes when you go out if you don't want to be catcalled". I practically fell off my chair when he said that.

Instead of looking at the actions of the assailant or aggressor, people sometimes focus on how the victim could have acted (or dressed, or spoken) differently in order to avoid the situation. I guess it's easier to address the words we write in a flirty text or the clothes we wear to a party rather than addressing the real, heavy problem at hand: sexual assault and rape.

Yet, on the stand, when Celeste whipped out her badass lawyer skills and questioned Mary Louise herself, the truth came out that Perry was, in fact, a violent man: video evidence of Perry assaulting his wife was shown to the court, Jane attested to Perry's aggressive nature by sharing that he raped her, and even Mary Louise slipped up by saying that her son had violent tendencies.

The victim-blaming technique Mary Louise implemented to try to win the case didn't work this time; although the judge questioned Celeste on her sexual habits that include violence, she ultimately ruled that it's in the best interest of the children that they're not removed from their mother's care.

By the court not giving in to Mary Louise blaming Celeste for the assault her husband inflicted upon her, the tactic of victim-blaming is being exposed for what it is: a despicable way to avoid tackling the real problem at hand: actual assault and actual rape. Hopefully, viewers will become more aware of victim-blaming and feel increasingly inclined to never blame an assault victim.

(If you or anyone you know is struggling with assault, NEVER hesitate to speak up about it or encourage someone to talk about it. Violence is all too real, so it's important that we help each other get through our struggles and move on to healthier chapters of our lives.)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26608
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11116
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8226
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments