@dumedum I definitely understand where you're coming from. It's a tragedy for his family and anyone that loved him. And a 13 year old dying in a helicopter crash, well, no family should have to go through that.
His influence has probably made you and others better people, and that's certainly a legacy to be proud of. But I think we need to at least recognize his darker side, especially now. To ignore it sends the message that what he did was okay - that it can be forgotten - because so many people saw him as a hero. Personally I can't justify that.
It's really hard to confront our heros' flaws, but we have to be realistic about who we're idolizing. I think it's fine to say he did a lot of great things - let's emulate that and let it inspire our lives. I'm happy he could do that for you. But we also have to remember who he hurt - not only for the sake his victim, but to acknowledge to ourselves that wasn't okay.
@dumedum Anybody can say anything, but they almost always don't when it comes to rape and sexual assault. Drawing your line with the courts its fine if that's what you want to do - but it's simple - it's low effort.
You should try to process the information yourself and see where you land. If you do that and draw your same conclusion then that's fine. I might not agree but I can at least respect it.
@dumedum if you read (and believe) her account then it was clearly rape. Evil is certainly subjective so I won't go there. "We all could have done stuff": I'm very sure I've never sexually assaulted anyone, convicted or unconvicted, so I'm not sure I understand your point.
@sixrings Just because he wasn't convicted doesn't mean he didn't do it. Rape victims often want to bury their trauma as quickly as possible and therefore may settle out of court.
The fact that you did actually read it is all I can ask for, so thanks for that. We don't have to draw the same conclusion or have the same opinion but at least you're not burying your head in the sand.
All I'm asking is that everyone read the Daily Beast article and then decide how you feel. Imagine that it's one of your family members or good friends in her position - the account of his actions is quite disturbing. In my opinion these aren't the actions of someone to be praised. Everyone is entitled to decide for themselves, but at least be informed before you do.
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Re: 2K Joins The Rest Of The World In Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
@dumedum I definitely understand where you're coming from. It's a tragedy for his family and anyone that loved him. And a 13 year old dying in a helicopter crash, well, no family should have to go through that.
His influence has probably made you and others better people, and that's certainly a legacy to be proud of. But I think we need to at least recognize his darker side, especially now. To ignore it sends the message that what he did was okay - that it can be forgotten - because so many people saw him as a hero. Personally I can't justify that.
It's really hard to confront our heros' flaws, but we have to be realistic about who we're idolizing. I think it's fine to say he did a lot of great things - let's emulate that and let it inspire our lives. I'm happy he could do that for you. But we also have to remember who he hurt - not only for the sake his victim, but to acknowledge to ourselves that wasn't okay.
Re: 2K Joins The Rest Of The World In Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
@dumedum Anybody can say anything, but they almost always don't when it comes to rape and sexual assault. Drawing your line with the courts its fine if that's what you want to do - but it's simple - it's low effort.
You should try to process the information yourself and see where you land. If you do that and draw your same conclusion then that's fine. I might not agree but I can at least respect it.
Re: 2K Joins The Rest Of The World In Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
@dumedum No, because in this case a victim did come forward. There's the line. That's how you know.
Re: 2K Joins The Rest Of The World In Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
@dumedum if you read (and believe) her account then it was clearly rape. Evil is certainly subjective so I won't go there. "We all could have done stuff": I'm very sure I've never sexually assaulted anyone, convicted or unconvicted, so I'm not sure I understand your point.
Re: 2K Joins The Rest Of The World In Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
@sixrings Just because he wasn't convicted doesn't mean he didn't do it. Rape victims often want to bury their trauma as quickly as possible and therefore may settle out of court.
The fact that you did actually read it is all I can ask for, so thanks for that. We don't have to draw the same conclusion or have the same opinion but at least you're not burying your head in the sand.
Re: 2K Joins The Rest Of The World In Tribute To Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant
All I'm asking is that everyone read the Daily Beast article and then decide how you feel. Imagine that it's one of your family members or good friends in her position - the account of his actions is quite disturbing. In my opinion these aren't the actions of someone to be praised. Everyone is entitled to decide for themselves, but at least be informed before you do.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/kobe-bryants-disturbing-rape-case-the-dna-evidence-the-accusers-story-and-the-half-confession