I'm unhappy about the tone of a good deal of the debate here. Nobody denies that some young men, as a result of their upbringing, or other factors, develop a sense of entitlement. Nobody denies that the texts and messages that passed between these young men were abhorrent. But there is a sense in some of the conversation of condemnation solely because these were professional rugby players. I would like to hear a more carefully worded discussion of the nature of the sex drives of men and women, the ways in which, it is evident, these are expressed in an extreme fashion by couples and groups, especially among young people. It seems to me that there are some, male and female, who debase themselves in pursuit of gratification.
That's one debate; there are others - the one about power, for example - but there's another about making oneself available for sex to gain some advantage; there's a lack of scruple on all sides.
How about a debate on the concept of rape; can it ever be clear cut?
And then, there is the court system, its adversarial nature and lawyers playing to the gallery. It would be much better if there was no gallery, no reporting until after a guilty verdict. And, in my book,there is a case for teaching, not merely respect for others but respect for oneself.
And, just to make things clear; I'm unhappy, personally, about the men's treatment; the only thing that is clear is that they made offensive remarks, not expecting them to be publicised; I think their punishment has been disproportionate; scapegoats for the sins of an entire society that hasn't yet balanced its attitudes to sexuality, consent or social difference.