By Carmen Lebar
Content warning: rape, violence, sexual harassment, sexism
Had It Coming by Robyn Doolittle explores the discourse of sexual assault and harassment within the #MeToo movement. Doolittle investigates what is fair in this movement, and the varying ways justice can be seen within society. The precursor to this book was her “Unfounded” piece for the Globe and Mail, where she identified that a high percentage of sexual assault cases that were dismissed as unfounded were, in reality, not properly investigated. I found Had It Coming to be insightful and informative. There were many cases, and legal technicalities, that I did not know about. I think this book is an essential read because it shows how Canada, and the world, has developed better ways to handle sexual assault cases—but it also highlights the ways in which society is failing victims.
Doolittle begins her book with the advent of the #MeToo movement and gives examples of well-known male celebrities who have been exposed for their behaviour. One of Canada’s most infamous cases, that of Jian Ghomeshi, is given as an example of how societal mores do not equate to what is illegal. Canada’s legal system is changing, but not at the same pace as our morals are shifting. I appreciated learning more about the legal system in Canada, and how what I may find morally wrong, may not be legally wrong. There were many laws I didn’t know about, and also some archaic ones that were unsettling to discover. But the most unsettling thing I learned in this book was the way that myths about sexual assault are even present within the legal system.
A recurring topic Doolittle brings up in Had It Coming is ignorance vs. cognizance in relation to myths about sexual assault. A great example of this is when Doolittle interviews Judge Robin Camp, who made inappropriate remarks during a sexual assault case—being ignorant to the actual laws. (He has since been debarred from judging.) Since then he has taken courses, and tried to learn more about sexual assault law in Canada. However, not everyone is willing to educate themselves and unlearn the harmful myths about sexual assault. I was surprised to learn about Judge Camp and his willingness to learn, and the way that people can attempt to redeem themselves through education. However, I was also dismayed to learn about the way that some people, like Jian Ghomeshi, think redemption is a given.
Doolittle brilliantly conveys the current atmosphere of the #MeToo movement and questions how we should navigate each case. Through education, and debunking myths, we can find better ways to help victims. Doolittle makes her personal comments known about each case she mentions, but she never neglects oppositional views or reports. Had It Coming is a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about how sexual assault and harassment is handled in Canada, and anyone who enjoys investigative journalism.
Please note that Carmen has recently acquired a new position with Penguin Random House Canada. Her thoughts and opinions are her own, but for transparency we'd like to share this detail.