Updates

4.14.08
False Rape Report- Starting a Real Discussion

Alright, if you haven't heard, last Tuesday a woman went to the Meritcare ER alleging tha a Joshua Kraft had kidnapped and raped her at knife-point. 12 hours later, the police show up at Kraft's house, arrested him with probable cause, and later released him because, according to police, new evidence from Kraft plus apparently conflicting sttories from the woman “would make this case difficult to prosecute.” You can read more here (Warning: It's the Forum).

According to the Bismark Tribune, Sargeant Skuza said the whole case led to "significant expense". Police are pursuing charges against the woman for false report because "manpower" had been wasted in the process. A false report is a misdemeanor.

This whole thing is really upsetting to me. The Fargo Forum exacerbates the whole situation by citing Skuza saying "While it is not common for someone to falsely report something similar to a recent actual crime, such as a kidnapping or assault, it does happen" but going on to name all such "false reports" in recent fargo-moorhead/grandforks history.

The obvious and misfortunate sideeffects of news like this are so upsetting. This generates even more skepticism regarding rape victims' accountability/honesty, and potentially makes it even MORE difficult for women to feel like they can report a rape. Moreover, it interrupts discussion of rape in our society by publicizing all of these specific cases of "false rape" while the actual reality of rape is so widely silenced in the news media.

We need to keep talking about it, keep analyzing it. I think this is a really great, even-handed blog post on understanding the reality of false rape reporting. Here it is, read it, and talk about it. How do you feel about this?

Personally, it upsets me that we're so quick to jump to the idea that "false report" means it definitely never happened, or that she lied on all counts. Actually, a lot of things upset me, but I'm having a hard time even knowing how to approach this. A very small part of me wants to always believe that women never lie about rape, period. Which is a very pigheaded and sexist idea. But it's really hard for me to try to construct an unbiased and constructive way to discuss this with myself. How about you?

Here's a quote from the blog post:

-Micah
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3.27.08
Our Southern Sisters

The Ohitika Najin Win Oti (Standing Strong Woman) shelter in Rapid City, SD has lost its lease on an 8 bedroom house for Native women seeking transitional housing for reasons of personal safety.

Cangaleska has limited funds and hence the relocation will require backing from donors. So you can check it out here and donate here.

Via Feministing

-Micah
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3.11.08
What I mean when I say "alliance"

I envision it more like a network of feminists, young and old, of different persuasions who care about different issues and who are committed to making their feminist voices and actions heard and seen in the community. Together, as a network of individuals who support one another, a sense of community can be fostered.

I am so sick of feeling isolated and alienated because of my feminism. And I know that there are others out there who feel the same.

So if we can blog and tell one another about the important events, issues, projects, etc, we can effect change where we can see it; in the community.

I'm leaving soon, to transfer (if I get in) and when I leave, I'll still be committed to this community. I kept complaining about it being shit hole and never act on my dissatisfaction, so this is my effort to make a positive impact instead of bitching. I want to get this thing off the ground before I leave so it has staying power. And when I come back, I want to see change.

I guess I'm the eternal optimist, idealist, whatever. But if I can't envision change, then I'll be stuck in a stagnant community forever.

That got rambly. Essentially what I wanted to say was thanks for your support and willingness to contribute. I hope I can repay you for it by making this happen.

Additionally, check out Libby Walkup's blog, linked at the left. She's a student at MSUM and I've worked with her on the Women in Action conference. She's pretty kickass.

-Micah
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3.6.08