
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 7, 1993                   TAG: 9305070613
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

VICTIM DIDN'T NEED FASHION CRITIQUE

AS I READ Kathleen Wilson's April 17 "Off-beat" column, "Backstage, star gazing lost appeal," I was more disgusted than ever with the Guns N' Roses band. But what angered me even more than the sick, sexist attitude of the band was the manner in which Wilson dealt with what she witnessed. When confronted with a young woman, who by her own admission was frightened and panicked after being allegedly sexually assaulted by the band's crew members, Wilson asked her: "Why did you dress like that?"

I find it unbelievable that after all we have learned about sexual harassment and assault, we are faced once again with a clear case of victim-bashing. It is inconceivable that a reporter, whose ideas help to shape those of society, would suggest that a young woman dressed in black lace somehow asks for or deserves to be treated like a prostitute. Those to blame in such scenarios are the grown men who take advantage and violate the rights of girls and young women. I can't help but think that had this young woman received support and compassion rather than a critique on her choice of clothing, the accused might be learning some lessons in court rather than laughing all the way to the bank.

In the future, Ms. Wilson should stick to birthday parties and family picnics. REBECCA DEURLEIN ROANOKE

by CNB