The left's dilemma over sexual violence: selectivity or consistency?
Are rape convictions treated differently depending on the perpetrator's origin? The debate over feminist selectivity and media coverage in Spain.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Why some rapes matter more than others
Why do certain cases of sensual violence dominate front pages while others barely prompt a statement? An uncomfortable question has taken hold in public debate: is there a different treatment depending on the perpetrator's origin? Critics point out that when the perpetrators are migrant men or members of minorities, condemnation from the left becomes lukewarm, is qualified with appeals to context, or is simply ignored. Meanwhile, any assault committed by a white Spanish man triggers a wave of mobilizations.
The case known as 'the new Pamplona wolf pack' is cited as an example: it allegedly received less media coverage than other similar ones. Those who defend the consistency of institutional feminism argue that all violence is condemned equally and that differences in coverage reflect newsworthiness, not political bias. But the persistence of this perception suggests the official narrative fails to convince part of the population.
The underlying question is whether loyalty to the pogre bloc — the need not to 'hand weapons to the far right' — takes precedence over the unconditional defense of women. Some analyses suggest an implicit hierarchy of victims has taken hold: some deserve full solidarity; others, complicit silence.
In the end, consistency seems to be another victim of political tribalism.
Why do certain cases of sensual violence dominate front pages while others barely prompt a statement? An uncomfortable question has taken hold in public debate: is there a different treatment depending on the perpetrator's origin? Critics point out that when the perpetrators are migrant men or members of minorities, condemnation from the left becomes lukewarm, is qualified with appeals to context, or is simply ignored. Meanwhile, any assault committed by a white Spanish man triggers a wave of mobilizations.
The case known as 'the new Pamplona wolf pack' is cited as an example: it allegedly received less media coverage than other similar ones. Those who defend the consistency of institutional feminism argue that all violence is condemned equally and that differences in coverage reflect newsworthiness, not political bias. But the persistence of this perception suggests the official narrative fails to convince part of the population.
The underlying question is whether loyalty to the pogre bloc — the need not to 'hand weapons to the far right' — takes precedence over the unconditional defense of women. Some analyses suggest an implicit hierarchy of victims has taken hold: some deserve full solidarity; others, complicit silence.
In the end, consistency seems to be another victim of political tribalism.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (41 replies).
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