it also reinforces the myth that victims of rape are particularly vengeful. this stereotype is used to demonize victims and police their desires for accountability. https://twitter.com/LuxAlptraum/status/1298338402585239553

I wrote about the social expectations around victimhood and rape victims in particular. I found interesting research on different myths & social scripts that facilitate scapegoating—where community turns on a victim for speaking up. https://wagatwe.substack.com/p/beast-for-sacrifice

there are a few stereotypical accusations lodged at a rape survivor when they decide to speak up. One is revenge.

But even if a victim is believed & supported, the script shifts to policing the victim's feelings where anything "uncivil" can be used against them.

it's a phenomenon we see in various forms of subjugation. "Compassion on condition of meekness" is the expectation that victims of oppression must remain nice and calm in the face of injustice—if not, "allies" will withdraw their support. https://twitter.com/wagatwe/status/1263643412189687808?s=20

Rape victims have to be meek and deferential. Black people must be calm and can't get angry. Women can't cry or else they won't be taken seriously.

it's all about serving the comfort of the oppressor, thus maintaining the status quo.

so to lessen the potential impact of a victim speaking up, the myths of victims being particularly vengeful/violent/mean/etc. are readily available to gaslight—preventing a close, accurate examination of the unfair conditions that created this victimization in the first place.