Gang rape at California high school

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Update (10/29/09): See my follow-up post, with news on the arrests of some of the perpetrators, as well as commentary on the supposed racial/racist elements of the incident/story.

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This isn't an easy story to get through. It's sick, it's disgusting, and it's utterly despicable:

Investigators say as many as 20 people were involved in or stood and watched the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside a California high school homecoming dance Saturday night.

Police posted a $20,000 reward Tuesday for anyone who comes to them with information that helps arrest and convict those involved in what authorities describe as a 2½-hour assault on the Richmond High School campus in suburban San Francisco.

Two teenage suspects have been jailed, but more arrests, as many as 20 total, are expected, according to a police detective.

Yes, I find this story deeply, deeply disturbing. But it's also one of those stories that arouses my anger to a point of violent outrage. A violent response to a horrible act of violence? Yes, I suppose so. But it isn't easy to remain detached, is it? It probably isn't even human to do so. No, I don't believe in an eye for an eye, or anything like that, but there won't be any justice unless the perpetrators of this act are punished to the full extent of the law. (And one wishes that those who stood by and watched, seemingly aroused, would similarly be punished. Alas, that may not be possible.)

I highly recommend Melissa's post at Shakesville -- read the comments, too. (See also Larisa Alexandrovna at at-Largely and my colleague Kathy Kattenburg at The Moderate Voice.)