The Penn State report on the Sandusky scandal, released today, rang more than just one of my memory bells, which is a remarkably subdued way of putting things.
While in the 7th grade I was sexually abused, repeatedly, by one of "The System's" teachers, as were many other boys in that grade, in that school, at that time. And to tell you the deepest, perhaps coldest truth about those wretched nine months, I recall thinking then, merely: This is what authority does; it abuses power.
I've since invested a lifetime in the unassailable, intellectual conviction that authority, by virtue of its authority, demands unceasing questioning. I happily skipped years of therapy and went straight to the logical conclusion that that was the principal outcome of my preceding experience--a cause and effect that in the longer run, mutatis mutandis, I find valuable.
Kudos to you for being able to cope with, and for overcoming, the sexual abuse you were subjected to in your early years. The officials at Penn State were more focused on keeping donations to its athletic department coming in and maintaining the illusion of being a reputable institution of higher learning than they were on protecting the vulnerable kids that Sandusky was sexually abusing. Not only did Sandusky abuse his powers but so did Penn State's highest officials.
Posted by: majii | July 12, 2012 at 03:06 PM
Thank you for your courage, candor and insight.
Posted by: Robert Lipscomb | July 12, 2012 at 04:14 PM
PM Thank you for speaking out, for your courage and for keeping me sane on a day to day basis. *hugs*
Posted by: Susan Zoon | July 12, 2012 at 04:51 PM