I received this article from the Stamford Advocate in my daily elog for work. Alex Kelly is a rapist who fled the country. He is also a citizen of Darien, which is one of the wealthiest towns in the country.
To the editor:
As the executive director of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center Inc., I take the safety and well-being of our clients very seriously. This is our highest priority. In reference to "Kelly may face obstacles in serving probation" (news story, Nov. 4), I reiterate that at no time would we welcome Alex Kelly or any other offender into our center.In fact, until we received the call from an Advocate reporter, we were unaware that the judge in the case had suggested that Mr. Kelly perform 200 hours of community service at a sexual assault crisis center. While we can understand the judge's intention, this simply would not be appropriate.Second, when asked about the release of Alex Kelly, my exact comment was that while many may have a difference of opinion on whether Kelly served a sufficient sentence, the reality is that he did the time required by law and now is to be readmitted to society.If one disagrees with his release, the disagreement lies with the legal system.
Cathy Malloy
Stamford
The writer is executive director of the Stamford-based Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center.
The article that they are referencing is how Kelly may not be able to fulfill is requirements of probation. The article http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-kelly2nov04,0,5804037.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines quotes Kathy Malloy.
There is a large disconnect between the legal system and understanding of victims' rights and feelings. Why would an agency that empowers survivors of sexual assault want a convicted rapist to volunteer there??? It would be like sending a convicted pedophile to work in a pre-school.
A lawyer and professor from UCONN commented, "He could learn an awful lot," Fernow said, "but I can't say I'm surprised the rape counselors have no interest." WHAT? He could learn alot? That is ridiculous. This man forced himself on two women as a teenager and then instead of taking responsibility for his actions his rich family sent him to Europe for 10 years. It is disgusting to me. He is 40 and this happened when he was a teenager. Privilege and wealth afforded this man to leave the country and not take responsibility for what he had viciously perpetrated. It is disgusting that the judge presiding over this case cannot see why women's advocacy groups would not want this sexual offender near women. This makes me angry....
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Korea's Version of Shute Bucks
From Rutgers News Oddly Enough Section
Best Mom Chosen as Face of Currency
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank on Monday chose the face of Korean motherhood as the first woman to be featured on its banknotes, but women's rights groups say the selection only reinforces sexist stereotypes.
Shin Saimdang, known for raising a famed Confucian scholar and having a deft hand in painting, will grace the new 50,000 won ($55) note when it debuts in early 2009, the Bank of Korea said.
Women's groups say her selection bolsters the idea that mothers should stay at home and devote their lives to their children's education.
Shin, whose nickname is "wise mother," gave birth to the 16th-century scholar Yi I, also known by his pen name Yulgok. She is celebrated for placing her son on the path to fame.
A paper on a government Web site describes Shin as "the best example of motherhood in Korean history," while the central bank said she was selected "to promote gender equality and women's participation in society."
Women's rights groups acknowledge Shin as an important figure but have been pushing for other female candidates, who have risen to positions of power and respect in a male-dominated society, to be placed on the new note.
"Although women nowadays are highly capable and educated, the idea of 'wise mother and good wife' holds them down," said Kwon Hee-jung, secretary general of the women's rights group
IF.
More than a dozen women's rights groups plan to protest against the bank's decision.
Yulgok's face is already on the 5,000 won note. Shin will appear on the second-highest valued note after the new 100,000 bill is also issued in 2009.
I think that it is awesome that a woman is going to be on currancy. I also understand why women's groups would find this offensive, especially because of the status of women in Korea.
Thoughts?
Best Mom Chosen as Face of Currency
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank on Monday chose the face of Korean motherhood as the first woman to be featured on its banknotes, but women's rights groups say the selection only reinforces sexist stereotypes.
Shin Saimdang, known for raising a famed Confucian scholar and having a deft hand in painting, will grace the new 50,000 won ($55) note when it debuts in early 2009, the Bank of Korea said.
Women's groups say her selection bolsters the idea that mothers should stay at home and devote their lives to their children's education.
Shin, whose nickname is "wise mother," gave birth to the 16th-century scholar Yi I, also known by his pen name Yulgok. She is celebrated for placing her son on the path to fame.
A paper on a government Web site describes Shin as "the best example of motherhood in Korean history," while the central bank said she was selected "to promote gender equality and women's participation in society."
Women's rights groups acknowledge Shin as an important figure but have been pushing for other female candidates, who have risen to positions of power and respect in a male-dominated society, to be placed on the new note.
"Although women nowadays are highly capable and educated, the idea of 'wise mother and good wife' holds them down," said Kwon Hee-jung, secretary general of the women's rights group
IF.
More than a dozen women's rights groups plan to protest against the bank's decision.
Yulgok's face is already on the 5,000 won note. Shin will appear on the second-highest valued note after the new 100,000 bill is also issued in 2009.
I think that it is awesome that a woman is going to be on currancy. I also understand why women's groups would find this offensive, especially because of the status of women in Korea.
Thoughts?
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