A recent episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” gained notice for a plot in which a white rape victim hesitated to testify against her black attacker because she was worried he wouldn't receive a fair trial due to his race.
During the January 25 episode “Truth Embargo,” a man raped a character named Natalie during a robbery of a clothing store. Despite video footage showing the man removing his mask, Natalie initially denies seeing her rapist’s face.
Eventually, Natalie reluctantly identifies her attacker as a man named Jay Watson, portrayed by actor Mykey Cooper.
Natalie’s partner, Brooke, tells the detectives that Natalie is upset with the criminal justice system because she believes black criminals don’t receive “fair trials.”
“She’s very upset,” says Brooke. “We’re well aware of the systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.”
“Well, I can’t deny that there has been a history of racial bias,” the officer replied. “It’s definitely not a perfect system.”
Later, the episode depicts Natalie as so privileged that she doesn't feel the need to pursue justice for rape.
Natalie tells the prosecutor she has the “luxury” of getting therapy to heal from her trauma, while the black rapist would have to sit behind bars.
“I can afford therapy. I have that luxury. And maybe, one day, I’ll be okay. But if that teenager goes to prison? He may not be, ever. I don’t want that,” she cries.
The detective ultimately persuades Natalie to identify Watson as her attacker in court. However, the district attorney agrees to a plea deal and praises Watson for taking “responsibility” for his actions after he apologizes.
The message here is repulsive: white women should have sympathy for their black rapists and thus fear reporting them.
That is appalling.
If “Law & Order” convinces even one woman to feel that way, and a rapist goes free because of it, the show is complicit.
Rapists do not deserve sympathy, whether they are black or white. Rape is one of the most atrocious crimes imaginable. Rapists deserve to be punished to the fullest extent.
Victims of rape and battery should not be pressured to worry about the supposed racial bias of the justice system.
They have enough to worry about.
Black rapists are not victims. They are dangerous individuals who should be removed from the streets, along with every other rapist, regardless of their skin color.
