Big deal Quote by Laurie Halse Anderson
““(From the Q&A with the author at the end of the book.) Have any readers ever asked questions that shocked you? I have gotten one question repeatedly from young men. These are guys who liked the book, but they are honestly confused. They ask me why Melinda was so upset about being raped. The first dozen times I heard this, I was horrified. But I heard it over and over again. I realized that many young men are not being taught the impact that sexual assault has on a woman. They are inundated by sexual imagery in the media, and often come to the (incorrect) conclusion that having sex is not a big deal. This, no doubt, is why the number of sexual assaults is so high. I am also shocked by adults who feel that rape is an inappropriate topic to discuss with teenagers. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 44 percent of rape victims are under the age of 18 and 46 percent of those victims are between the ages of 12-15. It makes adults uncomfortable to acknowledge this, but our inability to speak clearly and openly about sexual issues endangers our children. It is immoral not to discuss this with them.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Q&A with author after publication of Speak,
Aly Anderson, 2015
In simple terms: Young men often lack understanding of the trauma of sexual assault, leading to harmful attitudes; open discussion is essential for prevention.
Key Takeaway
Men need to grasp assault’s impact; talk openly.
Themes
Educate youth on sexual assault impacts and encourage open dialogue.
Mood
serious
concerned
Type
educational
advocacy
When to use this quote
- trauma
- socialization
- media influence
Key Concepts
sexual assault
education
gender
communication
Practical Applications
- schools
- parenting
- media literacy
- community programs
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we create safe spaces for these talks?
- What role does media play in shaping attitudes?
A Different Perspective
Cultural taboos can hinder honest conversations.
