Feminists and Legal Issues

The article was fascinating. But, unfortunately, the legal doctrine being developed--that the system tilts toward males and requires an overhaul--while absolutely correct as far as it goes, is insufficient.

The legal tradition is not just tilted toward males, it is tilted toward white, heterosexual males, and this tradition is what must be addressed in its entirety. That will require tremendous effort, since the powers that be have much invested in the current system and don’t want to correct the situation. But the effect will be a quiet, bloodless revolution in the name of decency toward others.

The article states men are rarely victims of sexual assault. This is untrue. “Queerbashing” is a common happening, often including rape. The gay male usually doesn’t report it because of shame, public sentiment and fear of retaliation. Years ago I interviewed a 16-year-old gay who had been hitchhiking to his home one late night on Hollywood Boulevard. He was given a lift in a van with two men and a woman, who tied him up and raped him for two hours before throwing him out of their vehicle. When he reported it to the police, the officer said, according to the boy, “That’s what you people like, isn’t it.”

MIKE VARADY

Los Angeles