It takes a lot to make me angry. A LOT. Those who know me, know this well. And let me tell you about something that still, to this day, has me fuming. The results of the trial of the People of the State of California vs Brock Allen Turner. I’m sure you know that name. Ah yes, Brock Turner…the one who made headlines as a very talented swimmer at Stanford University. The headlines that liked to omit the real reason the article was written about Turner-because he was a rapist. At this point in time, most of us know about this particular case. At that rate, I don’t find it necessary to go into any detail to fill anyone in. I honestly don’t have the patience or stomach to even begin to discuss it in depth. I can still barely accept it as real life. But let me just reiterate three important details and facts here: 1. Brock Turner was convicted of rape and his punishment was a mere 3 months in prison 2. Brock Turner was made out to be the victim when he isn’t one 3. This case reveals the failure of our justice system as it further perpetuates rape culture.

I am tired of hearing excuses in defense of criminals while the demeaning questioning is saved for actual victims. I am tired of hearing about intoxication and what a girl was wearing being the leading questions in a rape case. First and foremost, alcohol is not an excuse for anything. You cannot look at a crime such as sexual assault as “lesser,” because someone was intoxicated. You cannot deem a perpetrator “morally inculpable” and give them a lesser sentence because of it. Think about how stupid this logic sounds in the context of drunk driving. If you take that same rationale and apply it here, then the driver of the car that hit a van full of people simply cannot be held accountable because they were intoxicated. The accountability still falls on that driver. We know this because it is common sense.

You also do not get to claim that having ‘a promising future’ is enough of a reason to lessen a sentence for such a serious crime. EVERYONE has a promising future until they commit a crime. So what, is this some special deal? Serve little time for your first crime? Think about it though-every murderer has their first kill (even if it is their only). Do we stick them in prison for a year or less because it was their first offense and they had been so good before this? No. That’s illogical and more bluntly put--just stupid. But apparently prison could have had a ‘severe impact’ on Turner, which is why Judge Aaron Persky decided to sentence Turner to 6 months (even though he only served 3).

Well I would hope prison would have an incredibly strong impact on Brock Turner-as it should. Isn’t that the whole point of a prison system? This isn't an action or an individual who deserved leniency. Turner had no remorse for his actions. He and his family actually attempted to paint him as the victim in a situation that so clearly distances himself from that role. But he had showed no signs of remorse or guilt simply in his lack of an apology and the pleas of ‘Not Guilty.’ You know who else doesn’t show remorse? Sociopaths. The type of people who do not and never will be able to feel for others. He showed no remorse, no empathy. So why was any shown to him?

I think what reignited my anger stems from a few news articles I’ve been seeing circulate around the internet the past few weeks. Apparently a man in California altered the famous “Hollywood” sign to read “Hollyweed.” The man has turned himself in and in a number of reports I have read, he could face a maximum of 6 months in jail for his actions. I’m sorry but I nearly lost it upon reading that a man who had a little fun with a sign (without causing any actual damage to it) actually has the possibility of going to jail longer than a convicted rapist. I’m disgusted at that very thought. There are so many victims of sexual assault who do not report the crimes against them for fear of them not being taken seriously. If you look at the result of the Brock Turner case, then you need not look further for a better example of this exact issue.

In my eyes, this case has violated the eighth amendment of the Constitution regarding cruel and unusual punishment. I don’t think that is an extreme pitch to make because three months in prison for a convicted rapist is the definition of cruel and unusual punishment towards the real victim in all of this. The justice system has further dehumanized and punished the victim. Turner took so much from her that night in 2015 and the world just kept on taking. The media embarrassed her by discussing the accomplishments of her assaulter. The justice system took away her trust in a system that is supposed to stand up for victims and punish offenders. This case didn’t just fail one girl. It failed many. It failed a whole society.

I don’t think I will ever not be angry about this case. I don’t think I will ever not be angry that a thing such as ‘rape culture’ even exists. I don’t think that I will ever not be angry until I see justice served, and victims protected when it comes to all crimes. And yes, rape is a crime...in case for some inexplicable reason someone thought otherwise.

I am so sorry to those of you who have been let down. To the survivors out there, know that your strength does not go unnoticed and that there are still so many who will continue to fight for you and with you.