Two weeks ago you could have asked me who Jerry Sandusky was and I would not have known. However, if you ask me today who he is I would be able to tell you without hesitation. And while everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty, my description would probably include words such as sick, perpetrator and monster.
By now, we have all heard of the sexual allegations against Sandusky and his alleged inappropriate behavior towards underage boys. We all understand that select individuals have either witnessed some sort of improper behavior from Sandusky or they failed to notify police. As I have pondered the allegations and even listened to the now infamous Bob Costas interview with Sandusky, my mind keeps going back to the same thing over and over…the alleged victims.
If the allegations against Sandusky are in fact true and I was one of his victims, I would have a mountain of emotions, thoughts and questions.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder why this man who seemed so nice has done something to me that I know is wrong.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder if all the times he was nice to me were actually his way to earn my trust, only to betray it later.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder if the people who exposed me to this Second Mile program knew of his “problem.”
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel alone and isolated because Jerry Sandusky is a respected man and I’m just a kid…no one will believe me if I said something.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel like bad things always happen to me; that’s why I was part of the Second Mile anyway…because I’m disadvantaged and disadvantaged kids always have it hard.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel afraid that he will come back for me and do those things again.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel angry that no one helped me when I needed them most.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel violated.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel sick when I heard him stutter when Bob Costas asked him if he was attracted to young boys.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would feel powerless against the legacy of Penn State.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder if I will do the same thing to a child when I am grown.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder if I will ever trust again.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder if I will ever get my childhood back.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder why no one helped me.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would be confused about my body and the new things I’m feeling.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder why he did those horrible things to me.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder how many other children he hurt.
If I were a victim of Sandusky’s I would wonder if he will ever pay for his actions.
Fortunately I am not a victim of Jerry Sandusky so none of the aforementioned items really relate to me. However, if there are indeed true victims of Sandusky and if what Penn State assistant football coach Mike McQueary and the janitor said are true, then that victim and any others have been failed by people who should have stood up for them sooner. Those children have been failed by adults who could have and should have done more.
Perhaps if McQueary, head coach Joe Paterno, former Penn State Vice President Gary Schultz, and even university President Graham Spanier would have considered the victims; so much time would not have elapsed and other victims may have been spared.
This entire ordeal is tragic, with the most devastating aspect being the victims. However, if there is anything we should take from the Penn State controversy it is that we must all do our moral and civil duty by protecting others – be it children, mentally or physically handicapped individuals, someone being attacked on the streets, a person who is being robbed by their investment banker – whomever. We must always advocate for others.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
