A secretary is raped near the campus. Later, Natalie is attacked, tho not raped. Heavy episode.
In season 2, episode 3, 'Double Standards,' Jo was attacked by date, but no one called it attempted rape or sexual assault. Talk about a change for this episode. I wonder why they shot it so that Mrs. Garrett couldn't look the girls in the eyes when she told the girls the secretary was raped? It just seems to me that as the person looking after them, looking directly at them would have been more reassuring.
Natalie was suffering from PTSD. Unfortunately, that term was pretty much unheard of back in 1981. Instead, people got frustrated with Natalie's behavior, which came off as rather callous and cruel. The girl needed counseling and help, and to be listened to. In fact, all the girls could have used some counseling.
"Natalie, did you walk home alone? Was it well lit where you walked? Did you take a shortcut?" Seems the onus was placed on Natalie for "doing all the wrong things." So yes, the other reviewer here is right that it is in fact, victim-blaming. You weren't careful enough, so therefore it's kinda your fault too? At least they can't point to her wearing a short skirt as she was dressed as Charlie Chaplin. Look I get it. I get being aware of your surroundings and being careful is a good idea. And I think a self-defense class is a good idea. But everything just came out all wrong. I mean is the secretary that actually WAS raped, being asked "why didn't you do this?" or "why didn't you do that?" When really, a victim, including Natalie, should be told: "it wasn't their fault, and we are going to support you, help you, and that you are not alone, and that they are loved."
I won't go into "why aren't boys/men being taught NOT to rape?" Oh wait, I just did. Where's that convo among the girls and Mrs. Garrett and that self-defense teacher? Hmmm...I know it's 1981, but still...
Not a good feeling episode, tho I give them points for trying to tackle a tough subject matter on this all-female-led show back in 1981, but the messaging was all wrong. I think all the actresses did a really good job, especially Mindy Cohn. 5/10.
In season 2, episode 3, 'Double Standards,' Jo was attacked by date, but no one called it attempted rape or sexual assault. Talk about a change for this episode. I wonder why they shot it so that Mrs. Garrett couldn't look the girls in the eyes when she told the girls the secretary was raped? It just seems to me that as the person looking after them, looking directly at them would have been more reassuring.
Natalie was suffering from PTSD. Unfortunately, that term was pretty much unheard of back in 1981. Instead, people got frustrated with Natalie's behavior, which came off as rather callous and cruel. The girl needed counseling and help, and to be listened to. In fact, all the girls could have used some counseling.
"Natalie, did you walk home alone? Was it well lit where you walked? Did you take a shortcut?" Seems the onus was placed on Natalie for "doing all the wrong things." So yes, the other reviewer here is right that it is in fact, victim-blaming. You weren't careful enough, so therefore it's kinda your fault too? At least they can't point to her wearing a short skirt as she was dressed as Charlie Chaplin. Look I get it. I get being aware of your surroundings and being careful is a good idea. And I think a self-defense class is a good idea. But everything just came out all wrong. I mean is the secretary that actually WAS raped, being asked "why didn't you do this?" or "why didn't you do that?" When really, a victim, including Natalie, should be told: "it wasn't their fault, and we are going to support you, help you, and that you are not alone, and that they are loved."
I won't go into "why aren't boys/men being taught NOT to rape?" Oh wait, I just did. Where's that convo among the girls and Mrs. Garrett and that self-defense teacher? Hmmm...I know it's 1981, but still...
Not a good feeling episode, tho I give them points for trying to tackle a tough subject matter on this all-female-led show back in 1981, but the messaging was all wrong. I think all the actresses did a really good job, especially Mindy Cohn. 5/10.
