From Publishers Weekly
How does the press cover sex crimes? In a biased way, according to Benedict ( Portraits in Print ), professor at Columbia University School of Journalism. She argues that because many reporters, copy editors and editors are middle-class white males, and since the feminist wave of the 1970s and '80s seems, in some views, to be subsiding, it has been exceedingly difficult for the female victim of a sex crime to avoid being depicted as either a "virgin" or a "vamp." Here the author analyzes four rape cases: a Salem, Oregon, marital rape case (1978); the New Bedford, Mass., gang rape case (1983); New York's so-called Preppy Murder case (1986); and the Central Park jogger rape case (1989). In each, Benedict shows how the language of reporters and columnists reflected their biases (anti-woman in all except the jogger case) and lamentably stereotyped thinking. Her conclusions: sex crimes against women are primarily expressions of misogyny and can be understood only by examining how society reinforces anti-female prejudices. This outstanding book should be required reading for all media people.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"An essential expose of rape myths in print journalism....She provides extremely comprehensive overviews and analyses of coverage in both the mainstream and the alternative press, indelibly raising the consciousness of her readers....There is as much for the general reader in this readable and incisive book as there is for the academic theorist or professional journalist."--Jane Caputi, The Women's Review of Books
"Helen Benedict calmly and crisply dissects the way misogyny and ignorance shape media coverage of crimes of sexual violence--biases that have increased during the past decade....A great gift for the journalists on your list--and to go by recent headlines, the judges and senators, too."--Katha Pollitt, The Nation
"Makes a powerful case for a new approach to the coverage of sex crimes by daily newspapers."--The New York Times Book Review
"This outstanding book should be required reading for all media people."--Publishers Weekly
"An essential purchase for communications and women's studies collections."--Library Journal
"Helen Benedict brilliantly analyzes the many ways in which the media perpetuates myths and stereotypes about rape. Elegantly written and carefully documented, Virgin or Vamp should be required reading for journalists -- and the rest of us."--Katha Pollitt, writer, The Nation
"Helen Benedict has done a fine job in uncovering bias and misinformation in news reports of some well-known rape cases. Virgin or Vamp will be a valuable aid wherever journalism is taught."--Susan Brownmiller, author of Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape
"Long Dong Silver. The rape trials of Willie Smith and Mike Tyson. Harassment and violence against women are more reported than ever, but public response, including press coverage reveals that many people still believe women provoke abuse--that punishment is their deserved condition. Helen Benedict's Virgin or Vamp could not be more timely and tough-minded. She peels back the myths that steer supposed objective journalism, never stinting on lively prose of the hidden injuries to women."--Laurie Stone, columnist, Village Voice
"Since Helen Benedict is both an authority on rape and a distinguished journalist, she is uniquely qualified to examine how journalists usually cover sex crimes. Her analysis of the biases and blunders of the press is thorough, lucid, and utterly persuasive....Virgin or Vamp is an exceedingly important book--necessary reading for conscientious reporters and editors, and for everyone concerned about the quality and fairness of what the press sees fit to print."--Ann Jones, author of Women Who Kill
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