Patricia Esparza, Miley Cyrus & Sexual Assault Blame Game with Prof. Caroline Heldman

Media Mayhem with Allison Hope Weiner

Episode 144

Episode Synopsis

The Patricia Esparza case for killing her alleged rapist is discussed with Caroline Heldman, plus the problem of rape in society and why it is the only crime where we blame the victim. We look at the recent UC Santa Barbara gang rape, the phenomenon of women exploiting themselves sexually in the public eye, as Miley Cyrus has been accused of doing, and the strange standards that apply to women and girls in terms of sex and society in this Media Mayhem.

Guest Bio

Caroline Heldman has published in the top journals in her field and co-authored Rethinking Madame President: Are We Ready for a Woman in the White House? Prior to teaching at Occidental College, Heldman taught at Whittier College, Fairfield University, and Rutgers University.

Heldman has also been active in “real world” politics as a congressional staffer, campaign manager, campaign consultant, and political activist. She drove to New Orleans to help rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, and she has returned many times since. Heldman works in a leadership position with Common Ground, a New Orleans-based grassroots relief organization, and is the co-founder of Critical Response, a group that provides volunteers to engage in high-risk rescue efforts during crises and disasters.

Heldman has worked as the general manager for Bio-Energy Systems, a research manager for Consumer Health Sciences, a political reviewer for the Associated Press and as a reporter for KPFK Los Angeles. Heldman’s work has been featured in the New York Times and U.S. News and World Report.