Recently, the media created a conversation about whether or not rape jokes are funny, or even acceptable. It was a discussion in our office, and I’m sure in many others. What we all can agree on, despite our sense of humor, is that rape is one of the most traumatizing crimes. Those closest to the victim are often the perpetrators of rape, just as complete strangers can forever darken the lives of others with rape as well. Why is it so common?
The new documentary It Was Rape, by Ms. magazine’s former editor Jennifer Baumgardner (above), examines this question through the stories of eight different victims. From a midwestern teen trying alcohol for the first time to a magazine editor in her thirties, these stories put a face to the statistics that we too often dismiss. Rape has become such an idea that we forget to consider its reality, its victims and their changed lives. These are real stories that will hopefully open our minds, and perhaps unburden others who’s stories keep them silent.
The documentary’s indiegogo campaign aims to raise $17K for post-production. The $17K raised will go to pay for approximately 10-14 days of final editing ($7500); licensing archival photos ($2500); sound mix ($3500); and printing/producing the resource materials that accompany the DVD ($1500). Please help this incredible work tell the stories of these eight women, and help many others with their stories currently untold.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
