Yes, I was thinking of this, too. If you have to go home with the person and are dependent on them, you're probably going to try not to piss them off by reporting their abuse.

I was thinking this, too. Many abusers see their spouses as property.

Does it really have to be an either/or thing?

I mentioned some of this in another comment, too, but not as well as you have, here. I think you've got a great point.

This. The wives and daughters of the enemy were ALWAYS considered part of the proverbial spoils that went to the victors. It's an extension of the overall dehumanization of "the other guy" that happens during wars. It's just that it's finally being recognized as a shitty thing to do.

That's good to know! It's always nice to find out someone who seems sincere actually is.

Of course it's a sport. Not so much the standing-and-clapping type of cheerleading that happened at my school, but that that competitive, throwing-people-in-the-air stuff? Absolutely. That shit takes some athleticism and a lot of training and physical work.

Exactly. The fact that he keeps bringing it up when nobody really gives a shit contradicts his point.

He probably thinks he's making himself look better, somehow.

I agree. The fact that he just refuses to let it DIE suggests, at best, that he thinks he's soooo much better than she is that he doesn't want to be associated with her. But the continued protestations and apparent attempts to discredit her (she's so "damaged"), make me think something probably DID happen.

I was also getting an icky feeling from his usage of that word, and you hit the nail on the head. I think it can also be a very stigmatizing, victim-blaming word. In the context it's being used, here, there's a very condescending tone to it, as well.

Yeah, I agree, she looks different. Nice, but different. I wouldn't have recognized her.

Ha! If you hadn't gone there, I was going to :D

Yeah, I saw the age references more in the context of the fact he's basically expressing a "kids these days!" type of opinion.

They don't THINK they know any rapists. That doesn't mean they don't.

Yeah, I didn't get that memo, either. For me it's a long soak plus whatever body wash I'm currently using. Or maybe just the long soak.

He was part of one of the musical numbers.

It's very '80s looking, with the big shoulders. And I don't think the eye makeup worked.

I think a softer look may have worked better with that structured gown.

Yes! That teal dress is perfect for her.