Abuse Quote by Michael Salter
““Chapter 4,‘Organised abuse and the pleasures of disbelief’, uses Zizek’s (1991) insights into cite political role of enjoyment to analyse the hyperbole and scorn that has characterised the sceptical account of organised and ritualistic abuse. The central argument of this chapter is that organised abuse has come to public attention primarily as a subject of ridicule within the highly partisan writings of journalists, academics and activists aligned with advocacy groups for people accused of sexual abuse. Whilst highlighting the pervasive misrepresentations that characterise these accounts, the chapter also implicates media consumers in the production of ignorance and disdain in relation to organised abuse and women’s and children’s accounts of sexual abuse more generally.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Organised Abuse and the Pleasures of Disbelief, 1991, Chapter 4
The chapter argues that media ridicule and partisan bias shape public perception of organised abuse, while audiences also help sustain ignorance and contempt.
In simple terms: Media bias and audience complicity hide the seriousness of organised abuse.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge dismissive narratives.
Themes
media bias
politics
sexual abuse
public perception
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- activism
- advocacy
- public education
Key Concepts
discourse analysis
ideology
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media framing affect victims' voices?
- What responsibilities do audiences have?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal can silence victims and impede justice.
