Had it Coming
Rape Culture Meets #MeToo: Now What?
by Robyn Doolittle
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Pub Date Aug 24 2021 | Archive Date Jul 25 2021
Steerforth Press | Steerforth Press / Truth to Power
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Description
"As a culture we aren't very good at having nuanced, complicated discussions," Doolittle writes in her introduction. "The public space is not a safe venue to talk about controversial subjects. Social media has seen to that . . . I've come to embrace the complexities and messiness that comes with those tough conversations."
Doolittle brings a personal voice to what has been a turning point for most women: the #MeToo movement and its aftermath. The world is now increasingly aware of the pervasiveness of rape culture in which powerful men got away with sexual assault and harassment for years, but Doolittle looks beyond specific cases to the big picture. The issue of "consent" figures largely: not only is the public confused about what it means, but an astounding number of legal authorities are too.
Advance Praise
In this "accessible investigation…Doolittle, has raised 'tough questions' about sexual assault: 'When does an action cross the line? What should happen to those who have committed harm? What exactly should the courts be doing differently? How do you reconcile a victim’s right to call out the abuser with an accused person’s right to self-defense and a fair hearing?' . . . a balanced consideration of a timely issue."
-- Kirkus
"Doolittle injects herself into the narrative as she interviews experts. The book can be best read as a useful primer on the myths still embedded in how sexual assault is treated within the courts and culture . . ." -- Maclean's
"An in-depth look at how attitudes around sexual harassment and assault are changing in the #MeToo era." -- CBC
"[Doolittle's] analysis of a complex and difficult subject is colorful and prismatic . . . She uses a conversational, approachable tone to make the book relatable to people on both sides of the 'he said, she said' fence." -- Literary Review of Canada
"[A] nuanced, open-minded, de-politicized discussion of our post-#MeToo world." -- Refinery29
"Doolittle writes with lucidity and heart, directly addressing the challenges posed by a book that delves onto a topic that often leads to knee-jerk reactions and polarizing debates. Instead of capitulating to these impulses, she chooses to explore the questions of the moment with the nuance and detail they deserve . . . A must-read for all Canadians." -- Quill & Quire
". . . rigorous reportage and unflinching. . . . [a] vital read." -- Now Toronto
"Should be mandatory reading in high school health classes to accompany lessons about consent to speed up a much-needed cultural shift in how sexual assault cases are judged. . . . it's an important read that forces readers to question their knee-jerk reactions affiliated with #MeToo--and makes them think twice before typing a tweet." -- The Winnipeg Free Press
“Its style straightforward and investigative, the book’s analysis is accessible, and the facts it delivers stand to force the interrogation of individuals’ blind spots. Had It Coming is an important text about how North American cultures handle sexual assault; it pushes progress toward durable social changes.” --Foreword Reviews
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781586422899 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 832068
"The world has shifted, but the belief in the lack of credibility of women has not".
Trigger warning: rape and sexual assault.
- Doolittle presents a comprehensive look at the #MeToo movement from both sides, offering a voice and understanding to various lines of thought, whilst identifying her perceived short-comings and offering suggestions for the future. She encourages the reader not just to vilify, but to seek meaningful change for everyone. She took the current discussion a step further and offered a new angle of discussion.
- The conversation around consent was refreshing. Instead of recycling discussions, she addressed the weaknesses around the current resources. Consent should be marketed as the pleasure-enhancing tool it can be, instead of a legal term. Further, existing conversations focus on verbal cues - yet the average interaction emphasises non-verbal prompts. The answer? Adapt and get with the times. This idea is prominent throughout,
- I honestly have never considered the premise of rape myths and stereotypes and thank Doolittle for bringing this to my attention. Legal decisions are not based on perceived morals and ethics, but perspective and cases 'without doubt'. Whilst I find this infuriating and not possible, I recognise there isn't an alternative at this time. The nuance sold the book for me. Life isn't black and white and cancel culture removes the opportunity for redemption and real learning. Doolittle presented the former-judge who stepped down following pressure from his outdated victim-blaming judgement on a rape case. His response? To spend a year learning from leaders in the field and take full responsibility.
- The book wasn't a happy read. It wasn't easy to digest and it left a lot to be pondered. But it's definitely recommended reading. Certain areas were repetitive - for example all cases were female and intersectionality discussions felt thrown in at the end as opposed to relevant throughout. Overall though, a strong read.
4 / 5
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc in return for an honest review.
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