The Washington Post is facing criticism for its positive review of a play about pedophiles.
In a tweet on Sunday, the Post shared a review of the play “Downstate.”
The headline declared, “Downstate” is a play about pedophiles. It’s also brilliant.”
Review: “Downstate” is a play about pedophiles. It’s also brilliant. https://t.co/rIdGqf6GlN
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 27, 2022
“Take a deep breath and try to ruminate calmly on the position playwright Bruce Norris takes in his scintillating new play, ‘Downstate’: that the punishments inflicted on some pedophiles are so harsh and unrelenting as to be inhumane,” the Post’s Peter Marks wrote.
He continued, “Are you still reading? It’s almost impossible to broad-brush the perspective at the heart of this impeccably acted drama without sounding as if one is advocating some extraordinary level of consideration for individuals who have committed unspeakable crimes.”
“He is questioning what degree of compassion should society fairly hold out to those who have served their time for sexual abuse, assault or rape,” he added.
The article states the play is “directed with exceptional astuteness” and “seizes on our reflexive response to these crimes and shifts our emotional focus to the perpetrators.”
Marks also said there is “no sweeping under the threadbare rug in ‘Downstate’ of the heinous offenses for which the men have been severely punished,” but viewers are “in effect asked to judge for ourselves what magnitude of ongoing torment each deserves.”
He notes “some theatergoers no doubt will resent that Norris chose to illuminate this delicate subject in a nuanced way that doesn’t jibe with their own undiluted revulsion.”
“If you suspect you are one of these people, ‘Downstate’ is not for you. For many others, it will be a stunning demonstration of the power of narrative art to tackle a taboo, to compel us to look at a controversial topic from novel perspectives,” he added.
The Libs of TikTok account reacted, “Washington Post sympathizes with pedophiles.”
Washington Post sympathizes with pedophiles
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 28, 2022
Author and rapper Zuby wrote, “Them: ‘There is no agenda to normalise pedophilia. You’re a terrible person for even suggesting this.’ Also them:”
Them: "There is no agenda to normalise pedophilia. You're a terrible person for even suggesting this."
— ZUBY: (@ZubyMusic) November 28, 2022
Also them: https://t.co/izkJ7MDWZM
Conservative commentator Lisa Boothe wrote, “They are really going to try to normalize this, aren’t they? Straight up evil. Protect the kids.”
They are really going to try to normalize this, aren’t they? Straight up evil. Protect the kids. https://t.co/kQyAhGHMz7
— Lisa Boothe ?? (@LisaMarieBoothe) November 28, 2022
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) tweeted, “Just to be clear, there is nothing brilliant about pedophilia.”
Just to be clear, there is nothing brilliant about pedophilia.
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) November 28, 2022
How does anyone still read this newspaper? https://t.co/IRVp1yrCA4
“How does anyone still read this newspaper?” she asked.
