The story that prompted it:
CHBC NEWS: "Neighbours say murdered Princeton area woman was too nice for her own good"
This is a copy of the message I am sending to CHBC-Global and Global BC:
"Whoa...
And here I thought we were finally moving beyond the archaic practice of victim blaming. And yet I read the CHBC OKANAGAN headline today "Neighbours say murdered Princeton area woman was too nice for her own good"... I can understand such sentiments coming from the generally uneducated public. But you're a media agency, your headlines should have more tact and you should understand the affect your use of language will have on people.
Did you miss the message behind 'SLUTWALK' in Toronto? Or the reason that Judge Robert Dewar was removed from ruling on cases of a sexual nature pending a review of his behaviour? You (and I assign this duty to anyone involved in the spread of information) must ensure we do not blame the victim for the act of violence done to her. It is as stupid as a headline reading: "Pizza Delivery Driver should have known better than to drive home at 2:30am after his shift because the bars let out at 2 am and there are drunk drivers on the road", do you see how ridiculous it is? To blame someone for taking pity on a fellow man (who I might add lied to her about his identity).
I recommend you alter this headline, I assume it was an oversight.
- Meagan Bagley
Criminal and Social Justice Student at Okanagan College Penticton."
So... you may ask, what is Victim Blaming?
Victim blaming occurs when the victim(s) of a crime, an accident, or any type of abusive maltreatment are held entirely or partially responsible for the transgressions committed against them. (SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victim_blaming)
Does it make sense to blame someone for walking down a street at night? driving after 2 am in a town with bars? wearing the 'wrong' kind of clothes? helping out a stranger who is down on their luck?
This isn't a new concept folks.... who is at fault? Always ALWAYS ALWAYS the person who chose to commit the violent act. NEVER NEVER NEVER the victim.
A little clearer now?
**** I am pleased to say that the headline was changed in under 20 minutes after I snagged their attention on the CHBC Global facebook page. Score one for social justice and changing attitudes. (5:42 pm)
