STEUBENVILLE CONCERN

Early on in this blog I made the argument that the levels of civility and criminality of this nation, when compared to our historical levels, are high and that that unfortunate state of affairs reflects poorly on our civics education efforts. A recent case, while anecdotal, illustrates my concern.

The case I am referring to is the rape case in Steubenville, Ohio. In this case, two local high school football players were charged and convicted of rape. Rape is a heartbreaking and emotional disaster for the victim and the victim's family. Unfortunately, rape cases are too frequent to attract much attention. In terms of both actual numbers and rates of reported cases, the United States ranks very high when compared to other nations.¹ How this compares to our historical levels I don't know, but I would guess that current levels are not lower. Beyond the obvious problems with this crime is getting a handle on how often it occurs since victims are often reluctant to report it. This is due to shame or, since perpetrators too often can be family members or husbands, concern for the resulting animosities such reporting can induce.

But in terms of my concerns in this blog, the facts surrounding the Steubenville case are particularly relevant. Apparently, the guilt of the two boys was secured because they and others, using mobile phones and social media, made this crime so public. And since the two boys were (are) local heroes due to their football prowess, the girl who was victimized by the sex crime was further victimized by being the subject of abuse for “causing” all the problems visiting these young men. News reports seem to indicate that such feelings were amply shared by members of that community. The town has a population of fewer than 20,000. I can only guess that pride in the football team is deeply felt by town members and that the facts surrounding the case are probably causing high degrees of dissonance. But to not be able to see beyond the superficial importance of a local high school team, superficial when compared to the seriousness of the rape, one must question the expressed priorities of many members of this community.

Given the geographic location of the town and the fact that the town is described as economically strapped, I imagine that the town has been hit by the exit of manufacturing in what we call the “rust belt.” Of course, if this be the case, it explains, not excuses, an obsession over a successful local team. The condition adds context to the reaction that community members are expressing over the fate of these two young men. Also adding context is the fact that the young lady who was the victim was highly inebriated and can't remember what happened that night. But such conditions did not seem to affect the judge's decision.

Judge Thomas Lipps expressed concern over the nature of the crime:

I came in early this morning and I closely examined all the evidence and I re-read all the text messages that were admitted in this case. Many of the things that we learned during this trial, that our children were saying and doing, were profane, were ugly, with alcohol consumption shown as a particular danger to our teenage youth … .²

The convicted, Trent Mays, 17, and Ma'lik Richmond, 16, seemed truly sorry for their actions after the verdict was rendered and before the sentencing was announced. So pathetic was their behavior that it elicited sympathy for them. Of course, this reaction caused another counter-reaction which basically cried out for people not to forget who the true victim was – a sixteen year old girl.

All of this is damning. It holds the two young men in an obviously despicable standing. But I and others believe it reflects a serious shortcoming in so many others. And it is this latter aspect of the case which draws my attention. Judge Lipps and, later, the state's attorney general voiced the concern that the case highlights profound shortcomings in how we instill in our young people the perceptions and attitudes regarding sex and basic human dignity. State Attorney General Mike DeWine was so concerned that he announced he will be convening a grand jury to investigate the case to seek out others who might have committed crimes. His decision to call the grand jury seems to be influenced by the social media evidence the trial utilized. In a statement he said,

A grand jury is an investigative tool that is uniquely suited to ensure fairness and to complete this investigation. And this community needs assurance that no stone has been left unturned in our search for the truth … . Rape is not a recreational activity. We, as a society, have an obligation [to] do more to educate our young people about rape. They need to know it is a horrible crime of violence. And it is simply not ok.³

And there lies the civics education angle as well as demands on other parts of the school curriculum.

1See web cite http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_statistics .

2Red, C. and Thompson, T. (2013). Steubenville rape case: Victims hope one day to forgive Trent May & Ma'Lik Richmond, who were found guilty in rape of 16-year-old by Ohio judge. Daily News, March 17, http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/steubenville-high-school-football-players-found-guilty-rape-16-year-old-judge-article-1.1291087.

3Ibid.