The ideal narrative for this sort of thing is that it be committed against some respectable person who wasn't involved in any risky behavior, and that it be perpetrated by some wealthy or privileged person who then sees no consequences. Because if that happens (and that's pretty much what the story laid forth as its narrative), then it's an issue we all need to be terrified by and indignant about. If, on the other hand, the person was drunk out of their mind and targeted while walking alone: well that's something I can avoid by not engaging in risky behavior, so I can more easily move on with my life.

There's a similar line of thinking in public vs. private schools, where some proponents of public schools want all private schools banned because, without those escape routes, those with means would put their resources toward fixing the public schools rather than running from the problem.

For what it's worth, UVA isn't exactly great at this stuff (I grew up in the area and my wife is a grad), but the article was more than a bit unfair (even before it was revealed that the entire thing was a fabrication.)

There is nothing in the world we all need to be terrified about. You might need to stop reading huffpo

Do you think I didn't answer parent's question? I thought I had, but if you disagree, you should address that more directly. As to the agenda you think I'm pushing: I'm sorry I didn't adequately allude to my sarcasm. I guess I just thought it was too hyperbolic to be taken any other way.

Sarcasm is an ambiguous tool in text. I admit to an extreme current sensitivity to being told to be terrified by normal occurrences. My apologies.