
— With AAP.
1. “How many rapists must we kill until men stop raping us?” This week’s episode of Q&A has been accused of endorsing violence.
On Monday, ABC’s Q&A aired an episode featuring a panel of high-profile feminists.
However in the wake of the program, the broadcaster was inundated with complaints accusing it of “endorsing violence”.
Egyptian American journalist Mona Eltahawy told the audience, “How many rapists must we kill until men stop raping us?”
Can aggression and violence be a better option than assertiveness and strong arguments to effect change? #QandA pic.twitter.com/YnL2fxpQns
— ABC Q&A (@QandA) November 4, 2019
When host Fran Kelly picked her up on it she replied, “I’m saying violence has been owned by the state, given by the state, allowed to continue unchecked mostly by men and especially by privileged men. So how long do I have to wait to be safe?”
Indigenous screenwriter Nayuka Gorrie agreed that she thought violence was okay in the context of the oppression of Aboriginal people declaring, “Let’s burn stuff”.
Managing Director of the ABC, David Anderson, acknowledged the program was provocative in regard to the language used and some of the views presented.
Liberal Senator Eric Abetz slammed the episode as “utterly irresponsible”.
“As our national broadcaster, the recipient of more than a billion dollars in taxpayer funds every year, the ABC has an obligation to the people of Australia to uphold the highest standards,” Senator Abetz told The Australian.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher agreed that the investigation was “appropriate”.
But Eltahawy wasn’t impressed, posting on Twitter to voice her annoyance at the investigation.
“When white men whine and complain, investigations are swift: Does the ABC investigate when right wing extremists and fascist panellists upset viewers. Like Steve Bannon or Blair Cottrell? I think I know the answer,” she wrote.
Top Comments
She has a point