I while back I am emailed the academic author  you with regards to the recently published book Patched: The History of Gangs in New Zealand written by Jarrod Gilbert. In the book Gilbert uses a picture of a wāhine being raped by the mongrel mob. In my communications with Gilbert he argues that this picture is in context and has been utilised to ‘prove’ the level of violence perpetrated against women by gangs.

I would argue that this is not only an act of misogyny by Gilbert but also an act of re-victimisation of this wāhine. Therefore, I am questioning this books legitimacy and asking you the publishers if you would approve publishing photographs taken by a child abuser but published by an academic to ‘prove’ that child abuse exists in this country? My guess is NO, as it would be viewed by the general public as an act of pornographic violence. So, how can you justify using a picture of this women’s rape? Is it not merely sensationalism? Is it not re-victimising her?

I would also like to know:

A) If the women in the photograph was contacted and asked if her picture could be used?

B) If any money made from the books will be forwarded to her?

 

Yours

Dr Kyro Selket