There is a disgusting article running around Odyssey talking about how we should be nice to Brock Turner, how he has received enough hate to last a lifetime and all he needs is forgiveness and prayer. Firstly, I never condone hate, though the very idea of being nice to a man who attempted rape is disgusting to me. I will be civil to every human being, regardless of their poor decisions, but no one deserves kindness simply because that person has experienced hatred. This got me thinking, though -- is Brock solely to blame? The answer is no, no he is not. In fact, his parents are just as disgusting as their son.

First and foremost let us not forget that Turner's father, Dan Turner, referred to the assault as "20 minutes of action." Dan must have grown up in a very different time -- getting some "action" these days is akin to getting felt up or a hot makeout session, not feeling up an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. Brock's actions are considered sexual assault, not some harmless, teenage foreplay. Nothing about it was mutual nor was it OK'd by the woman.

The father is also sorely lacking any knowledge on binge-drinking or any effects of drinking alcohol in general. Consumption of alcohol does not cause one to sexually assault another human being -- that is all on the offender. To think that Brock would make a good advocate for students on binge drinking and sexual promiscuity is laughable. Again, sexual promiscuity is natural -- sexual assault is not. The father should have to go to classes about alcohol consumption and rape culture like the students at my university do; maybe then he would understand his son's actions a little better.

The mother seems to be rather silent but the fact of the matter is that she still defends her son after his deplorable actions. What kind of parent supports a child after he or she commits such a crime? I would still love my children of course, but I would not stand up for them -- I would let them experience the consequences of their actions to the fullest extent, for that is the only way to truly learn. His parents not only think that his ludicrously short time in jail was too much, but also that his actions weren't harmful. What message does that send Brock? It tells him that because his mother and father are OK with his actions, that he is in the clear.

On top of this, his parents are so concerned about the safety of their child now that he is returning from jail due to the armed -- and very loud -- protesters outside of their home. Funny how they seem scared of the threat of bodily harm towards their son when he himself caused bodily harm to another human being. Ironic doesn't even begin to describe their dysfunctional family.

Neither parent is even the slightest bit concerned about the victim -- which seems odd considering how strongly they are protecting their own child. One would think that they would sympathize with the victim and her parents, but instead, they raise hell about their son having to spend time in jail, being kicked out of school, and potentially being harassed by protesters. I think Brock will learn to regret his actions and learn his lessons; however, I have no hope for his parents. They have proved that they have only their interests in mind and could not care less what their son's actions have done to the victim, her family, and even their own neighborhood.