Revisiting Ke$ha’s Rape Case in Light of Recent Events
I have tried to keep my opinions to myself throughout this entire case, but this particular image has warranted a response/rant. First, shame on everyone using this image of Kesha breaking down in court as relevant publicity. This is a trying, traumatic time for her and just because she's a pop culture icon doesn't mean that she doesn't deserve her privacy to an extent. You should have all felt for Kesha and stood by her before you saw how much it outwardly affected her. You should have all aimed to "free Kesha" because it is the right thing to do, not because you saw her crying in court. This case has been ongoing for two years now - where were all the posts of outrage when it first happened or throughout the process in which her creativity, her passion, and her livelihood have been suppressed for two years? Where were you all to stand with her then?Â
Second, it doesn't matter that Kesha just doesn't want to work with Dr. Luke - he should be arrested. What he did was deplorable and absolutely disgusting. Sony should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for allowing him to retain his position despite the court ruling. A huge corporation like Sony cannot afford to cut one artist loose? Please.Â
Third, I am ashamed to live in such a hypocritical political system in which we simultaneously try to encourage women to report assault and to seek help mentally, physically, and emotionally for such occurrences and yet when the time comes for our justice system to make a decision, they elect to fail women on a national, and even international, level. If you're wondering why so many assault cases go unreported for both females AND males, this is why - it's because there is no help to be had. It's disgraceful that in 2016 we are unable to protect men and women against something so easily preventable and punishable. Think: Kesha is an international music icon. This decision affects not only sexual assault victims of the United States, but of the world. For countries in which women are still to this day fighting for a chance at equality, to see a world power such as the United States unable to protect a woman from assault will in no way help them get any closer to their goals. If we, in such an established and revered country, do not take immediate action to solve assault cases, why should other countries?Â
This ruling is a blow to equality around the world and, I hate to break it to you all, but storming social media with hashtags will not rectify this shameful ruling. We may have failed Kesha but laws must be implemented to protect past, present, and especially future victims of assault. Sharing photos of undeniably the worst moment in Kesha's life pleading for Sony to free her isn't going to initiate change. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Let this disgraceful showing of our nation's justice system be the start of real and effective change in our society. No one, absolutely no one is to blame for rape except for the rapist themselves. It's time that we start holding people accountable for the actions. Kesha can never be "freed" without true justice. Even if Sony were to let her go, she will never feel safe or free again without knowing some form of justice was served to the person who so egregiously wronged her. Help Kesha get back to making her music and to being herself again, but while you're at it? Help assault victims everywhere, on an international level.Â
