Reader’s Question:
Recently, while following news about sexual violence, I’ve been troubled by the extreme division of opinions online. There are many voices saying things like “the victim is lying” or “the perpetrator is innocent,” but how many people are actually reading the reports thoroughly? It feels like when outsiders assertively condemn someone, they may be causing further harm to both
the victim and the perpetrator. Moreover, I think it’s problematic that discussions often split based on impressions like “they look fine, so they must be lying” or “they defended themselves, so they must be innocent.” We need to consider a broader perspective on what “sexual violence” means and the silence produced by power structures. Instead of attacking someone because we want to be on the side of justice, I believe it’s important to deepen our understanding with care. What do you all think?
Thoughts on Discussions About Sexual Violence
Recently, I’ve been surprised by the prominence of opinions like “the victim is lying” or “the perpetrator is innocent” in news about sexual violence. Especially on social media, extreme opinions are rampant, which honestly confuses me. As a father, I feel compelled to be sensitive to these issues. The other day, when I went out for drinks with a friend, this topic came up. He asked, “Why are opinions so divided?” and I completely agreed. In our surroundings, there are people who seriously follow the news daily, while many make judgments based solely on impressions. For instance, saying “they look fine, so they must be lying” or “they defended themselves, so they must be innocent” without concrete evidence is truly problematic.
The Risks of Judging Based on Impressions
For example, when I was a child, I played with friends and exclaimed, “This candy is definitely delicious!” Only to find out it tasted terrible when I actually tried it. However, a few friends believed it was delicious, and others were swayed by that opinion. This incident truly made me reflect on the risks of judging based solely on impressions. Similarly, when it comes to the issue of sexual violence, I believe we need to think from a broader perspective. It’s important to respect the voices of victims and consider the silence that power structures create. Instead of attacking someone out of a desire to be on the side of justice, I think deepening our understanding is the key to true resolution.
In Conclusion
Looking at the recent flow of social media, it’s easy to lose our calm. However, perhaps we are being called to think more rationally. I also want to hear more of your opinions and experiences. Please share your thoughts or stories, no matter how small, in the comments. They could provide valuable insights that help us deepen our understanding.
