Virgin or Vamp: How the Press Covers Sex Crimes

by Helen Benedict

Book Overview

The national press has recently lavished coverage on several major sex-related scandals: the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings, the William Kennedy Smith rape trial, and the Mike Tyson case. With each event came lurid stories pitting either a loose or a virginal woman against an unwilling or monstrous man. Such extreme coverage, argues Helen Benedict, perpetuates myths that are harmful to the victims of these crimes (and sometimes to the accused)...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195066804
• ISBN13: 9780195066807
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Thorough and engrossing

Ms. Benedict has written a remarkably thorough, well-researched, informative book that still avoids being dry or preachy. Anyone with an interest in media, crime, women's issues, or cultural criticism in general would do well to read this book.

A gripping read.

Benedict's thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the myths of rape that continue to pervade our culture. Benedict places media coverage of sex crimes into historical perspective and casts light on our understanding of sexual violence and gender relations. This is a smart, readable book.