Many of us have come to love this show for its portrayal of strong female characters and the unflinchingly feminine light it shines on the dynamics and pitfalls of power in a world that is dominated by men. Much of the series has focused on Mary's womanhood and how she has learned to utilize it, manipulate and weaponize it, even as the outside world has looked upon it as her greatest weakness. After persevering through so much adversity and triumphing over those who have fought so hard to silence her, to have her suffer through this violent assault sends the message that the world will only punish--crushingly and humiliatingly--those women who dare to assert their places within it. It is a message jarringly out of tune with everything we have come to admire about this series, and it has no place in a show geared toward young women who dream of a future in which they may rise without fear of retribution at the hands of men.
Sexual assault is a very real issue that 1 out of every 3 women will face during her lifetime. In a show where so many characters and their stories vie for screen time, there is almost no way of treating this issue with the sensitivity and gravity that it deserves. To reduce it to something that serves as a plot device to further complicate a relationship between a married couple whose relationship needs no further complication is irresponsible and disrespectful to those many women whose lives have been devastated by sexual assault.
We, the fans, sincerely hope that the powers-that-be at Reign recognize our passionate disapproval of this story line and our reasons for feeling so strongly, and that they do right thing and move forward without it. Please sign this petition and, as filming is scheduled to begin tomorrow (17 October), please do so quickly, so that our voices might be heard.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 20, 2014
Reached 100 supporters
October 17, 2014
39 Comments
I saw the episode and approved on how they handle it, rape is a serious crime and it be should be shown on tv to encourage victims should get help and speak out about it. Most young people prefer to listen and learn from the entertainment industry and social networks rather than adults in their lives, sad but true.
This is something we see and hear about too often in the real world. We do not need to have one created for our viewing pleasure
Sexual violence and such violent agression are very different from portraying murder or death. It is a constant reminder that powerfull women will be brought down. It maintains rape as part of our culture, and it is sickening to see a beloved show used such a thing as a shock factor. We have become less sensitive to violence through its portrayal on our screens, we cannot do the same with rape.
I wonder how many fans are survivors of sexual assault or rape. I am, and I will absolutely not watch this show any longer.
There is nothing edgy nor required in having your already complex and intriguing character rapes on the show. Don't, just don't. Our, meaning women, depth is not and should not be based on sexual violence being brought on to every flipping female protagonist on television. You will lose a viewer if you are lazy enough to fall into this lazy trope. Period.
This was horribly disturbing to watch. I was so triggered by this scene that it has stayed with me for years and finally lead me to find and sign this position. It was horrible the detail that was involved in filming this and the way it was handled.
As a rape survivor this was extremely triggering and horrifying to watch. Please. I loved this show but please stop
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Many of us have come to love this show for its portrayal of strong female characters and the unflinchingly feminine light it shines on the dynamics and pitfalls of power in a world that is dominated by men. Much of the series has focused on Mary's womanhood and how she has learned to utilize it, manipulate and weaponize it, even as the outside world has looked upon it as her greatest weakness. After persevering through so much adversity and triumphing over those who have fought so hard to silence her, to have her suffer through this violent assault sends the message that the world will only punish--crushingly and humiliatingly--those women who dare to assert their places within it. It is a message jarringly out of tune with everything we have come to admire about this series, and it has no place in a show geared toward young women who dream of a future in which they may rise without fear of retribution at the hands of men.
Sexual assault is a very real issue that 1 out of every 3 women will face during her lifetime. In a show where so many characters and their stories vie for screen time, there is almost no way of treating this issue with the sensitivity and gravity that it deserves. To reduce it to something that serves as a plot device to further complicate a relationship between a married couple whose relationship needs no further complication is irresponsible and disrespectful to those many women whose lives have been devastated by sexual assault.
We, the fans, sincerely hope that the powers-that-be at Reign recognize our passionate disapproval of this story line and our reasons for feeling so strongly, and that they do right thing and move forward without it. Please sign this petition and, as filming is scheduled to begin tomorrow (17 October), please do so quickly, so that our voices might be heard.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 20, 2014
Reached 100 supporters
October 17, 2014
39 Comments
If written well, a miscarriage plot can have plenty of emotion and drama for the characters all on its own. Why do writers feel the need to add on sexual violence for extra drama? It needlessly sensationalizes something that many viewers of the show may have experienced (or known someone who has experienced) themselves.
I saw the episode and approved on how they handle it, rape is a serious crime and it be should be shown on tv to encourage victims should get help and speak out about it. Most young people prefer to listen and learn from the entertainment industry and social networks rather than adults in their lives, sad but true.
This is something we see and hear about too often in the real world. We do not need to have one created for our viewing pleasure
Sexual violence and such violent agression are very different from portraying murder or death. It is a constant reminder that powerfull women will be brought down. It maintains rape as part of our culture, and it is sickening to see a beloved show used such a thing as a shock factor. We have become less sensitive to violence through its portrayal on our screens, we cannot do the same with rape.
I wonder how many fans are survivors of sexual assault or rape. I am, and I will absolutely not watch this show any longer.
There is nothing edgy nor required in having your already complex and intriguing character rapes on the show. Don't, just don't. Our, meaning women, depth is not and should not be based on sexual violence being brought on to every flipping female protagonist on television. You will lose a viewer if you are lazy enough to fall into this lazy trope. Period.
This was horribly disturbing to watch. I was so triggered by this scene that it has stayed with me for years and finally lead me to find and sign this position. It was horrible the detail that was involved in filming this and the way it was handled.
As a rape survivor this was extremely triggering and horrifying to watch. Please. I loved this show but please stop
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 1,500 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
If written well, a miscarriage plot can have plenty of emotion and drama for the characters all on its own. Why do writers feel the need to add on sexual violence for extra drama? It needlessly sensationalizes something that many viewers of the show may have experienced (or known someone who has experienced) themselves.