Brock Turner Rape Case Study

The Brock Turner rape case is an object of white privilege because it fulfills all of the criteria I constructed in the previous section of this paper. This case shows an unfair advantage over similar rape cases, could be considered discrimination and is offensive to the public, takes place in a highly racialized society, and many “privileges” were granted to the defendant throughout his trial all proving there was white privilege at play. Focusing first on criteria point one, Brock Turner’s sentencing gave him an advantage over other cases similar to his. In most states rape conviction can have the defendant looking at anywhere from 5 to 30 years in jail, varying from state to state across the country. The public made an emphasis on the fact …show more content…
Colleges have a reputation to uphold, one that involves unreported rapes and “slap on the wrist” punishments. Focusing on the second criteria, Brock’s case can be considered offensive and a form of discrimination for many reasons. Whether you’re focusing on white vs. black, student athlete vs. non-athlete student, or ivy league school vs. a less esteemed school, discrimination can be shown in each of these situations. Brock was obviously on the higher, more benefitted end when it came to accomplishments; he was a white, division one swimmer at Stanford University. It wasn’t only these characteristics that set him apart, but also his lack of criminal history that were all influences in his lenient sentencing by Judge Persky. His special treatment did not go unnoticed when he was released early, in fact not only was the public emotionally outraged they were physically showing it, demonstrated in figure two, following Brock’s early release protestors waited outside of his home in Ohio to make sure Brock Turner’s rape conviction was anything but …show more content…
His first recognizable privilege was his lighter sentencing given by the judge, that was then followed with his early release from jail based off of good behavior. During his trial, he was also given the privilege of having a wealthy family and being a division one athlete at an Ivy League school; this may have sparked the celebrity like treatment he received when his case was closely followed by news reporters and his release was met with people lined up beside the doors. While you can focus on the superficial privileges of this case, it is important to note the emotional privilege he also holds over his victim. Yes, he will have to live with the title of “sex offender”, but his victim will have to live with the trauma he caused her and she will always be labeled as a victim of assault. It is one thing to have committed a crime and gotten off easy, it’s another to have to live with the pain of knowing your rapist served half his sentence with white privilege leading the way. Overall, it was interesting to look into a case that has been so widely controversial since it was reported in 2015. Even though some claim that Brock Turners trial was fair, many details from this case showed there was an influence of white privilege in many forms. Looking at the privileges he was given, all throughout the trial, provide clear evidence for the