Anybody can commit rape. Anybody.

[Maddy McCall]

http://www.africana.com/articles/daily/bw20030723kobejen.asp
Let's get a few things out of the way, first thing. One, Kobe Bryant is not embarrassed about having an affair; he's embarrassed that he got caught. Stop sniveling, Kobe. You screwed around in your bed, now lie in it.
Two, anyone can rape a woman. Even if you're rich. Even if you're married. Even if you have three championship basketball rings.


snip***

I'm a bit confused as to who the victim is here. I've seen Kobe on television holding hands with his wife and crying more times in a week than I've probably wept in my entire life. By the vicious way the media and the fans are acting, you would've thought it was Kobe who was pressing charges, that Kobe was the one attacked. It sets a wonderful precedent for future rape victims, doesn't it? Bring a case against a famous athlete, and watch as people post your prom pictures, your telephone number and your home address all over the Internet. Listen to the experts expound on the theory that since you dared to try out for a television show, you must be a fame-hungry whore, or how since your boyfriend broke up with you and your friend died and you might or might not have overdosed on some pills, you're not stable and prone to lie to gain attention. That sound you just heard was ten other rape victims shuffling their way into silence. No way would they want to get crucified like this.

snip****

http://www.africana.com/articles/daily/bw20030723kobejen.asp

[Ilsa]

1. Clarification

I take issue with "anyone can rape a woman." I know kind-hearted men who would rather die than hurt a woman that badly.

But I agree that being rich or famous doesn't exempt a man from having the ability to rape; it doesn't cure him of wanting to commit violence. If that was the intent of the statement, then I am in full agreement.

And yes, the threats against this victim will serve to silence the other 90% of rape victims, giving public figures carte blanche to commit violence on the most vile and base level.

(Edited for content.)

[Booberdawg]

2. Great article

I'm sick of hearing how kobe is the victim here. Rape victims don't report this crime most of the time because of the very smear tactics we see being used against the rape victim in this case.