game of thrones

[seabeyond]

As you may know, during Sunday’s episode, Jamie raped Cersei (Assuming you can call sex in which a woman keeps saying “no” rape. Hint: Yes, you fucking can.) on a show that already had plenty of sexual violence. Even more disturbing, the original scene in the book was one of consensual sex. So it was changed to rape on the show for… What? Entertainment value? Entertaining for whom? Director Alex Graves tried to get everyone settled down about the scene by saying that, yes, the scene starts as a rape, but then the sex “becomes consensual.” All the women that I’ve read on this have been very measured in their responses, so I’m going to let them take that high road and go ahead and address Graves in a somewhat less measured way.

THAT MAKES IT WORSE, YOU ASSHOLE.

No, rape does not “become consensual,” and suggesting that it does is what we call “perpetuating rape culture,” because IT IS LOGIC THAT RAPISTS ACTUALLY USE.


Well, at least no impressionable teenagers watch Game of Thrones. OH, WAIT. THEY TOTALLY FUCKING DO. And thanks for making a fan-favorite character into a rapist, co-writers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Thanks for making it just a little easier for people to write off a woman’s “grey rape” or whatever dickbags are calling it nowadays, and for making it just a little harder to prevent and prosecute. This is why you risked everything to get into entertainment, was it? To make the world a little more violent and rape a little harder to report and prosecute? Well. Fucking. Done. I’m sure your starry-eyed younger selves are very proud. Don’t let them actually watch the show, OK?

http://www.afterellen.com/feminist-friday-shame-of-thrones/04/2014/

[lostincalifornia]

1. If you notice on the credits R.R. Martin was involved in the screen play. Regardless, the books

themselves are loaded with sexist themes, and rape throughout, and the HBO series reflects those themes also. HBO is considered a Premium channel. It is not one that is viewed without a subscription service. That being said, there are parents that let their 3 year olds have easy access to guns, so I have no doubt that younger or older impressionable viewers watch the show.

I have read the books, and women are not treated well in those books.

Daenery was effectively sold and raped in the beginning. No the books and series are violent and sexist, but should they be censored?

I would argue that it is not Game of Thrones that makes the "rape culture" prevalent, but religious zealots, and the extreme right wing views that are doing far more damage to women's rights. Just look at what the five republican appointed justices have done on the Supreme Court.

[seabeyond]

2. Rape as entertainment. Rape of men and children reality. Are you being entertained with man and

Child rape? Why the censorship. Why is rape of women and girls the only entertainment for us

[lostincalifornia]

7. You are asking a question about how people are brought up. I don't have to tell you what people

used to consider entertainment, from killings in an arena in Rome, to boxing, and animal fights.

Since you are asking me if I am being "entertained" by such things the answer is no. However, the book does have characters, and a story line, and though there is rape and incest in the books, it sometimes is for the plot. The incest between Jamie and sister gave us Joffrey, who readers would link his cruelty and sadism to that, which is part of the story. Danny was abused, and treated badly, but arose from that cruelty to become a leader, also part of the story.

So your extrapolation that the rape is put in there for "entertainment" is a distortion. Those are incidents are part of the story. Cersie verses Danny is a perfect example of how two characters evolve. One is cruel, and the other is trying to do what is best for her people.

I disagree with your interpretation that the rape and sex are what this story is all about. It is about power, and the means the different characters use to attain it. If the only thing you take away from the books is that it is about "rape and child abuse", then you have missed the whole point of the books.

Putting distasteful things in a story line is NOT to glorify it, not in this case, and I suspect you are too single focused on that, which is part of a story of fiction, when real incidents need to be addressed, not works of fiction

[seabeyond]

9. i disagree. i think raping women and girls has become the ew norm in entertainment. and this is a

perfect exsample. not the story. made up. does not add to the story. merely there to entertain the perv.

rape. raping women and girls. the new norm. again. rape men. rape children if you want to address "distasteful. but raping women? meh... entertainment.

The weirdest part [of directing Game of Thrones] was when you have one of the exec producers leaning over your shoulder, going, ‘You can go full frontal, you know. This is television, you can do whatever you want! And do it! I urge you to do it!’ So I was like, ‘Okay, well, you’re the boss.’”
This particular exec took me to one side and said, ‘Look, I represent the pervert side of the audience, okay? Everybody else is the serious drama side, [but] I represent the perv side of the audience, and I’m saying I want full frontal nudity in this scene.’ So you go ahead and do it.

http://screencrush.com/game-of-thrones-nudity/

why pretend it is anything more than it is.

[Scootaloo]

3. A Song of Fire and Ice portrays a world that really is shit for women

Which is honestly a sort of rarity for medievalist contemporary fantasy - the medieval world WAS a pretty awful place to be a woman, and i think Martin goes a good way towards making that point.

That scene last week was absolutely bizarre, however. per the book, she does say no - or specifically, "No, the septons-" before just throwing herself wholeheartedly into trying to make another flipperkid with her brother. The show... is definitely not her being worried about the priests spotting her and Jaime, but Jaime forcing her to the floor and raping her.

Why the change? Well, it's obviously not an improvement of the scene in the book, which is supposed to be "one last hurrah" before Jaime rides out to do the duty Tywin has set before him. It's not an improvement on Cersei's character - Jaime's right hand wouldn't be the only stump he'd have, if she had been written in-character for this scene. And it's sure as fuck not an improvement on Jaime's character, since his entire story arc from Harrenhall to King's Landing and beyond is one of him becoming a truly decent human being - raping someone - namely your own sister, while she weeps for the death of the child the two of you had, is seriously a setback for such a story arc.

And the show being what it is, this mess will never be mentioned again.

So why write it? It doesn't further plot, it doesn't tie up plot threads (As the killing of Rose could be said to have done) and in fact sets both back, and leave the sane viewer with an icky taste in their mouth. As far as I and some other avid fans of the series have been able to figure, this is purely HBO trying to "push the envelope," at a pretty big cost to the story being told.

[BainsBane]

6. There is scarcely a decent human being in the series

I was just starting to like Jamie, but, as you say, raping his sister did that in.
Tyrion is the only reasonable man in Kings Landing, and he may well be dead before long.
At least Joffrey is finally dead.

I know I'm supposed to like the Mother of Dragons, but I find her irritating. The Starks were interesting, except for the insipid Sansa, and good people, though of course all but a couple are now dead.

Diana Rigg and Brienne seem to be about all that's left. As a woman of honor and loyalty, Brienne can't be long for that world. Diana Rigg's character is Machiavellian, which is probably the only reason she's survived to old age.

(No, I haven't read the books).

[Violet_Crumble]

14. You should read the books. I'm halfway through 'A Feast For Crows'

I've been halfway through it for a while now coz of some issues with my eye that's going to get fixed week after next, but I far prefer the books to watching the show, which I've given up on. My imagination makes Jon Snow even more hot than Kit Harrington

Olenna Tyrell, Dany and Brienne are my favourite female characters, and are all into the honour and loyalty thing.

Anyway, try reading the books. They're really good.


Now for a gratuitous Kit Harrington pic! Smoking has never looked so cool!

[Blue_Adept]

15. "I was just starting to like Jamie"

Part of it was that point I think, though Graves went about it the wrong way. Practically nobody is likable in this series and Jaime's redemption of sorts as we saw in the third season with Brienne was one that had a lot of people coming to his side after learning his true past with the Kingslayer title. He became a lot more sympathetic. And while Martin didn't write this episode, the series as a whole largely paints us a cast that are hugely flawed and those flaws - particularly in powerful people - outstrip common sense.

The TV show has obviously taken a different route in time structure when it comes to the Cersei and Jaime relationship, drawing it out since his return rather than it being much shorter and making him more intense in his craving for her - and her of him. I'm definitely uncomfortable with the scene - but that's true of many scenes in the show.

But in the end, I always have to think that the only good character died in the first season with Ned. What few "good" characters there are left are all going to be twisted by the harshness of the world.

[BainsBane]

34. Then last night they have him be decent

Giving his Valerian steel sword to Brienne, having armor made for her, and then sending her to protect the Stark daughters. I wanted him to have a nice romance with Brienne instead of raping his sister. That was repulsive. The whole incest line is repulsive enough. You would have thought producing a monster like Joffrey would be enough to knock some sense in their heads. Then he turns around and rapes Cersei. It looks to me like more of a departure from the trajectory of the story than anything else.

[lostincalifornia]

8. Fine, for that incident I have no idea why it was changed, but the book itself is full that behavior

and that is part of plot. It is not the main point. The book is about power. Power attained in all kinds of cruel ways.

Some are able to overcome that cruelty like, Danny, and some like Cersei, becomes just as sadistic like most of the Lanisters.

The interesting thing is as the books proceed, Jamie's character actually starts to go through a transformation in a more positive direction, while Cersi becomes so consumed by her desire for power that she willing hurt anyone who gets in her way.

[seabeyond]

10. how many explicit rape scenes of men, that would comapre to rape of women, have you seen on that

show? how many penis's standing erect, have you seen on that show? or are men never realistically naked, while have sex.

[lostincalifornia]

11. Frankly, I didn't read the books or when I do watch it view it that way. Sorry I don't fit into

that demographic

[seabeyond]

12. the point is obvious. in our face. and still, instead of just syaing it is what it is. we like to

pretend. and that is what these scum hollywood producers count on. they can continue to push the line. and it will ALWAYS be at the expense of the woman.

even when clearly shown. a made up scene. no more historically correct then raping men and children. did nothing for the story.

the only reason is gratuitous rape for entertainment. no more no less. but really.. do not call it out. lets all pretend there is a reason, other than being entertained by raping women.

[BainsBane]

13. How can you say that when you haven't even watched the show?

When you don't know the story line? The program is not in your face. It's not on broadcast or even basic cable. It's on a channel people have to specifically subscribe to. If the whole point of the show were rape, millions of people wouldn't be watching it. All kinds of shows depict rape: Law and Order SVU is about a sex crime unit. Criminals Minds depicts rapists all the time. Even The Closer, which isn't exactly a heavy show, had a central character who was a serial rapist. I don't know why this particular show is singled out more than the others that appear on broadcast television, where any child can access them.

I myself wouldn't describe the show as hostile toward women in particular. It depicts a world where various kingdoms vie for power and use violence and deceit to gain power. Some of the show's strongest characters are women. Men end up being castrated and beheaded, all kinds of people killed. The king was borne of an incestuous relationship between siblings, while a recent wedding became a bloodbath that slaughtered an entire clan. There is violence against both men and women. I believe this is the second rape during four seasons of programming. SVU has that many each week.

[boston bean]

16. Sea, this was womens reality.

you can't make that disappear from the story telling. I'm not saying that the book is historically accurate, it is fiction, but I don't think it's far off from how women were treated in medieval times. ie, the story is a fabrication, but the culture of the time and the setting has some truth to it.

Also, I just watched last weeks episode and the pimp of the whorehouse was shown walking across the room with an erect penis.

[seabeyond]

19. i am tired of greater and greater graphic rape, sexualized, more drawn out

more brutal and violent and graphic... simply being dismissed as a womans reality. put on show after show after show.... for the male audiences entertainment. almost every mans movie one way or another. and the excuse it is historically correct, as it is sexualized to turn on, more and more.

it is mans reality too. and we do not see it.

it is childrens reality too and we do not see it.

and the very few male rapes that are in movies are very short, put out the point, show nothing, and move on.

but women. nah.... get that camera in there, body action, grease up body, lights, in the ultimate positions to be as much a turn on.... sexualize the brutality of it...

it is two different things.

that is what i am calling out. it is not only in GOT. but, it is in GOT too.

i picked up on it in deadwood. an excellent kick ass show. that always had the women sexually abused. cause you know, that was womens reality.

back in western day, you know what reality was....?

raping the boys and men.

hbo has made clear this is their intent and motive. was the pervert exec looking over the shoulder stating... you could rape here, you know. do it. cause we can put EVERYTHING on tv.

we validate it enough, and ya.... it will become our norm

they EXCUSED it saying wasnt really rape cause later got into it. that is normalizing that for all that watched. so much so, we miss that very point in this feminist forum adn instead make excuse for entertaining rape at womens expense. for no particular reason.

[Violet_Crumble]

39. Have you got a link to HBO saying that?

hbo has made clear this is their intent and motive. was the pervert exec looking over the shoulder stating... you could rape here, you know. do it. cause we can put EVERYTHING on tv.

I've watched GoT. I wasn't going to, as it's not really a genre I'm that interested in, but my daughter urged me to give it a try, and due to the cast, storyline, and spectacular scenery, I got hooked and kept on watching even after Ned Stark was beheaded in front of Arya, which pissed me off, coz Ned was the only nice guy* in the show.

It's an incredibly brutal world where the brutality goes hand in hand with politics and power, and there's icky themes like incest thrown in. Trying to keep track of the complex storyline and relationships between the what seems thousands of characters is a real challenge at times. I switched over from the series to the books when I wanted to get more depth to the story, but that wasn't coz I'm horrified by nudity or violence, as I'm not. Nudity doesn't bother me, and when it comes to the really violent stuff, I just close my eyes till I know it's over. I'm a wimp like that. The few rapes that have happened in the show are in there with frequent torture scenes, beheadings, molten gold being poured over someone's head, and a whole array of brutal things. The rape scenes I've seen aren't particularly graphic, from what I remember. The consensual sex, otoh, is quite frequent and graphic considering it's an American network that's made the show. I think if showing rapes was a ratings thing, that 'pervert exec' you quoted isn't being listened to...

Out of all that comes some really strong female characters, though, some good like Breanna, Arya, and Dany, and some really nasty, like Cersei. It's no Lord Of The Rings, which is the best book ever, imo, but it's not bad at all, and I wish Martin would finish it up so I can find out what happens to Arya and Dany...

* Oops! Almost forgot the other nice guy, Jon Snow!

[Flatulo]

41. The rape scene in question lasts exactly 42 seconds. During the entire scene,

there is not one square inch of flesh shown, other than the characters' heads and a flash of Cerces's wrist. There is no greased up flesh, hard thrusting, hitting or other brutality, or any of the things you attributed to it.

But whatever you do, make sure that you condemn it in the strongest possible terms without ever seeing it.

I'm not excusing rape, but as far as GoT goes, this was an extremely mild scene. Will some sick fucks get off on it? No doubt, but the scene was clearly not shot to extract as much sexuality as possible from it. It is about the bare minimum one can do to convey the news that a rape is occurring.

[Flatulo]

23. There have been 3 or 4 penis shots, including

one being chopped off, although they don't show that action.

There are all sorts of unimaginably horrible things that happen on this show. A few samples:

A little boy is pushed out of a castle window in an attempt to kill him, but he is merely paralyzed from the waist down.

Another little boy has a sword pushed slowly through his throat, because he hurt his foot and couldn't walk.

The man has parts of his skin peeled off for his captor.

A number of men are beheaded by sword.

A room full of men killed over a chicken.

A little boy is slowly poisoned while his face turns purple and he vomits up blood.

Several men are slowly roasted alive by Dragon fire.

Some people are burned at the stake.

And man gives his newborn children, born of incest, to monsters to be, whatever.

An entire naval armada is roasted alive.

And on and on. It's an extremely violent, and disturbing series, and sensitive people should go nowhere near it.

About the only redeeming value that the series has, is that gay males come off pretty well in it.

[Skittles]

26. and.....people find that entertaining?

[Flatulo]

30. Apparently so. It is a smash hit by any metric.

But it's not just blood and guts. There's a very compelling storyline, coupled with first-rate acting and beautiful scenery. I enjoy it very much, and I've beheaded practically no one since watching it.

The story is set in an alternate earth smack dab in medieval times, when life was cheap and the sword settled all arguments. From what I know of that time in European history, a lot of the events are probably not too far off.

The wife and I look forward to every episode with baited breath.

Obviously, YMMV.

[Skittles]

33. to each their own

Last edited Mon Apr 28, 2014, 08:47 PM - Edit history (1)

[AuntPatsy]

4. I used the episode as a teaching took for my granddaughter.....

Though the show is obviously fictional, the reality of the times makes that particular crime non-fictional as well as standard form in how women's rights were less than those of a favored pet....

Considering the times we live in and the current events that are more than visible to the average citizen, women's rights are still on a tilting scale of ones personal beliefs...

I've read many many posts on DU recently where a few (that few being one too many) who believe the fear we women feel that our rights are always being attacked are nothing short of ridiculous.

Those few whom find humor in females fearful of our past horrors being visited once again in my opinion simply choose to ignore the facts in play even in today's world..

Back to the episode in question I talked with my granddaughter, asked how she felt that even in today's world , most view women, even other women that view themselves as less than their male counterparts....

For far too many minds back in the day as well as our present reality believe that we women are mostly here for the comfort of men, to not only take care of the children but to ensure the sexual desires of men will always come first....

So called pro lifers are nothing more than foolish followers of those that continue to desire a world where women know their rightful place in what is still in far too many ways a male dominated society...

I warned her she will have to continue to remain vigilant and ready to fight those wishing that scenario of women second to men to return, the episode showed in my opinion how little a women at one time had any power to decide her fate."."

I also talk about the very real present scenario where the rich have so much power over most of us, both male and female to the point where even in today's society there are two different levels of laws, one law we on the lower end of the financial equation must adhere too or face consequences or the laws designed to coddle the wealthier of those whom grace our society...

The Game of Thrones in my opinion could and should show the dangers that face us all when some (for instance the Koch brothers) have no real threat of having to face the consequences of criminal behaviors still very much exist in today's society as well as even a society of a thousand years ago....

Slavery is still very much an issue, skin color or ethnicity being second when we realize, it's us against them ,always has been, and seemingly always will be if history and present day events are compared...

Fear will always be used to keep the masses in line, the moment if ever when a society realizes there are more of us then of them, and not allow fear to control their daily lives will then and only then might we perhaps begin to win the war that has raged on for centuries among mankind where mankind's desire to have complete rule over others and feel superior over others is no longer such a pronounced reality for the majority of humans on earth....

Fear tactics that are still In use today and apparently the easiest ways of controlling others is of course like it or not mostly revolved around the concept of religions, status/wealth and or ethnicticity....

How we keep falling for such easy tactics considering our supposed intelligence is honestly beyond my understanding ....

Bottom line, Cessi was raped, it was a crime and yet as in today's world there are far too many who would feel considering the circumstances of the horrific crime that she deserved it....after all she had already slept with Jamie, her brother so why would she even fear it....

(Sigh)

My granddaughter is well aware what Jamie did was a crime regardless of Cessis history, no one has a right to make another a victim based on on ones supposed redemption, that coming from those who honestly felt Jamie was the one wronged.and therefore the real victim....and yes I've heard that reasoning as to why the raping of Cessi was not criminal simply because not only do they dislike her character but they viewed her as already Jamie's for want of a better term Sex Slave......

[LuvLoogie]

5. For more insightful commentary...

may I suggest the Learned Fangirl site for ongoing and in depth analysis of GOT episodes by three sharp women:

http://thelearnedfangirl.com/

http://thelearnedfangirl.com/2014/04/22/game-of-thrones-discussion-season-4-episode-3/

[redqueen]

17. You're right of course. Men and childten were raped, too, but that isn't put on screen,

no matter that it was also reality.

No idea why these threads get turned into 'what I like about the show' or 'these are the characters I like' discussions ... Even here.

Fucking sick of this place.

[Flatulo]

24. Well, severing Theon's penis was pretty harsh, but they

didn't actually show the anatomy being removed.

My personal take is that it is probably of of the most violent mainstream productions evers created. Not counting those schlocky Mark of the Devil flicks from the '70s.

[seaglass]

25. That's kind of the point though. We know it happens. We don't have to see it, never mind being

beat over the head with the visuals over and over.

Don't know if you are a guy or not. But imagine every other week that they sliced another guy's penis off and showed it. Wouldn't you look at it as - OK I get it, these are bad people, you really don't need to do this anymore, it is just gratuitous and abusive to the audience. Maybe that could never feel the same way to a guy as seeing women get beaten and raped repeatedly feels to a woman, I don't know.

re: Mark of the Devil
Wow - that was a flashback - I did see that - it was in 3D right? When I was 12 or 13 years old - was that mainstream? I saw it at an old theatre, the kind with the velvet seats that has long been torn down. I remember turning my head quite often, the only scene that stayed in my mind was the one with that long skewer used to check if someone was a witch. Blechh.

[Flatulo]

31. The character Cearce is raped once. There is one other non-consensual sex scene,

So it's not rape rape rape rape every week. I can recall two scenes, neither of which was particularly explicit.

Personally, I found watching the children being butchered to be quite a bit more gritty and emotional, but then again, I'm a guy.

I'll probably get my head chopped off for baring this opinion, but it won't be the first time.

[BainsBane]

32. I think those women were being raped by the rebels last night

We didn't see them say no, but they didn't look happy about it.

[seaglass]

35. Yes they were being raped. It was mentioned in the book, not emphasized as HBO did. It's really

creeping me out.

[seabeyond]

37. Just reading the conversations on this show literally makes me sick...

Being a guy and all, those rapes, meh. Kinda the point.

I do not get it. I dont

[seabeyond]

36. And ya. That is kinda the point being a guy and all. Rape? Meh

[seaglass]

40. Yep. Not worth conversing with someone who doesn't hear. n/t

[ismnotwasm]

18. The books suck

IMO. I couldn't get through them all, in fact between him and Jorden, I enjoy fantasy a lot less then I used to. I believe Martin is trying to reflect pre-2nd millennium type imagery in his books with feudal politics. Along with a powerful fantasy element. I'm not saying he's not an ok writer. I've just read better, and I've never understood the fascination with his books.

So they're grim. I completely believe you about the rape scene and as we were talking about earlier, despite it being fantasy, if you what to reflect feudal time periods, there would be scenes of male rape as well as rape of children, girls getting married off at ten to 35 years olds.

I've read a lot of 'grim' fantasy that does reflect this type of savagery set in what would be around the time round Henry the second. Martins books-- if I recall correctly, seem to predate that, almost city- state type eras. More of a combination actually.

But TV shows always reinforce rape culture. Always sexualized rape. Apparently, people want to see that shit. And even if they don't, writers and producers need to create controversy and up ratings using the bodies of women, so they so it anyway. I'm glad there was push back, but far from surprised at this.

[seaglass]

20. After last night's episode I am questioning whether I will continue to watch this show. Loved the

books. Did not feel that all the rapes in the books were major plot points or that there was anywhere near as much emphasis as HBO is putting on these scenes.

It is getting too much to the point of HBO focusing on these scenes BECAUSE THEY CAN - not because it is moving the story along in any meaningful way. It seems like a cheap, easy and unnecessary way to engage some viewers - it's not just me, it's starting to turn a number of viewers off.

[seabeyond]

21. this is what the executives have said. this is their intent. they have made it clear. it is on

ALL their shows. they have a purpose.

we can decide our entertainment is more important, than what i feel is our issue.

now this is an individual decision. (i am not invested in tv, or this show. i hate watching violence. pretty easy for me.) i get to speak of my belief. as all do. i will not challenge your position. cause i know these are good, well made, very interesting shows.

and do not fuckin tell me they are not playing us... MEN, the executives. who have told us their intent. do not tell me, to pretend they have not made it clear. out loud. with their voice. and their words.

thank you, seaglass. i dunno. i respect eacha nd every one of the women that talk about their interest and perception of the show. i respect them.

this is talking the issue... not the show. i really do not give a fuck about the show.

it is hbo. it is i believe, hbo and showtime having a showdown on create porn network.

call it what it is.

that is all.

[seabeyond]

22. it is.... intent. someone did a post on the intent. with racism i think. sheshe i think. nt

[BainsBane]

28. I'm sure I would look at it differenlty if I had children

and had to think about what they are exposed to. That is not my situation, however.

[bravenak]

27. I read it as a rape in the book too.

She kept saying no, she gave excuses like her 'moon blood'. Don't remember her saying yes in the book during that scene. Maybe i need a reread. I like the series, it kills the idea of medeval chivalry and honor. Knights are murderers, kings are rapists, kingsguards push little boys out of windows, dragons aren't cool they're wmd's, good mothers slit throats, little ladies kill grown men, the world is horrible and these books reflect the truth behind the lies of the history we tell ourselves about ourselves.
The part i hate the most is the mereen stuff. The show is much different than the books because you get more background on the whys. What they think at the time.

[geek tragedy]

29. A painful example of why directors--especially male ones--

really have to exercise great care in filming this kind of scene. At best, the scene was "yes means no." At worst, yeesh.

I know last night's episode bothered somepeople even more, but there it was at least demonstrating the horror of the act.

In general, rape shouldn't be entertainment.

[seabeyond]

38. In general rape is entertainment. It is our norm. What line to cross in deviance with women now

I mean... It is tv and we have our pervert exe producer to get his perversion out the for our new norm

[theHandpuppet]

42. Latest article from the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/03/arts/television/for-game-of-thrones-rising-unease-over-rapes-recurring-role.html?hp&_r=0
For ‘Game of Thrones,’ Rising Unease Over Rape’s Recurring Role
By DAVE ITZKOFF
MAY 2, 2014

From its very beginnings, “Game of Thrones” has been riddled with sexual brutality. The franchise, which started as a series of fantasy novels by George R. R. Martin about a bleak, feudal world, has at various times included a warrior king who claims his child bride on their wedding night, and the gang rape of a young woman by “half a hundred shouting men behind a tanner’s shop.”

These scenes and others have raised concerns, but this discussion was confined to readers and critics of fantasy fiction.

Now the debate about the series’s sexual violence has spilled into the mainstream and grown vehement, fueled by the explosive growth of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” series. In its fourth season, the show, which airs on Sunday nights, averages more than 14 million viewers and has become its cable network’s most watched series since “The Sopranos.”

In the latest episode, women held captive in a wintry shelter are sexually brutalized. In the deeply controversial episode that preceded it, a scheming noblewoman in an incestuous relationship with her brother is forced to have sex with him, despite her cries of no.... MORE

[seabeyond]

43. everyone can continue to use the excuse that it was/(is) the ugly reality all they want. an excuse.

validation. justification for being entertained by rape and creating a porn channel.

men and children are and were brutally raped. it is not sexy enough and will scare the boys too much, that they will never have that as entertainment. cause then. how sick would these men be.

that is the point

[Violet_Crumble]

45. So anyone who says that GoT portrays a brutal world is justifying rape?

And you think they're entertained by rape? Have you watched or read GoT? The way yr portraying it is that it's wall to wall graphic rape, and that's not true at all.

[Violet_Crumble]

44. I think that article's wrong...

From its very beginnings, “Game of Thrones” has been riddled with sexual brutality. The franchise, which started as a series of fantasy novels by George R. R. Martin about a bleak, feudal world, has at various times included a warrior king who claims his child bride on their wedding night, and the gang rape of a young woman by “half a hundred shouting men behind a tanner’s shop.”

These scenes and others have raised concerns,

It's been a while since I watched the first series, but I'm pretty sure there wasn't a scene of the gang-rape. All you see is Joffrey's entourage scattering once the riot starts, some priest getting pulled apart by the crowd, then later on it gets mentioned that they've found Lollys and that she'd been gang-raped. But I don't recall there being a scene of a gang-rape...

[BainsBane]

46. Wasn't that Sansa, who was saved from being raped?

by the huge guy who is now with the other Stark daughter? There was a similar scene with Brienne before Jamie came back to get her. In both cases, neither ended up being raped.

[Violet_Crumble]

47. That was all happening at the same time when they all got separated...

In the show, they showed Sansa about to be raped and The Hound saving her and killing the guy who was going to rape her. That scene with Brienne was the one where Jamie talks them out of it and then they chop his hand off? I've only gotten up to halfway through the second series of the show, and because the story moves at a different pace between the books and the show, I sometimes get confused about whether it's happened in the book or the show