Jordan, P. (1989). A reason for Being. Harlequin Books.

OVERVIEW

Harlequin romances are read by women of all ages—and perhaps a few men and boys. At one time they were fantasies that culminated in a general conclusion of romantic marital bliss. Specific descriptions never extended beyond the powerful mystique of presence, touch, and kissing. Today’s Harlequins fit the style of current media—climaxing in erotic and exaggerated descriptions of arousal and penetration.

About this particular romance, Editor-in-Chief, Horst Bausch, writes:

Harlequin is celebrating its 40th anniversary. And what better way to mark the occasion than by sharing—with the millions of readers in more than 100 countries—this very special commemorative edition. A Reason for Being is the very first book ever to be published simultaneously around the world in 19 languages!

The book’s principal character, Maggie, is described as having "something very compelling" about her. "...a power she herself wasn’t aware she possessed, a warmth that drew people to her. That she was beautiful as well seemed to be another unfair advantage fate had handed her." (p. 5)

For many years Maggie felt a strong attraction to Marcus. But there had been a misunderstanding between them and now Marcus was engaged to Isabel. While the story is not important, it is vital to consider the dynamics of forced sexual encounters and particularly the meaning of the word, "no" when it comes from a reluctant woman. In this story, it is quite clear that Maggie wanted that to which she was objecting.

Maggie pleaded huskily, ‘Marcus, please...I know you’re angry with me, but this is all wrong. I don’t want you, and...’

She didn’t get any further. He looked at her and she could almost see the triumph glittering in his eyes...

‘Marcus...no,’ Maggie breathed, knowing even as she spoke that she was fighting a losing battle, not so much against him but against herself...She shuddered, deeply frightened by the depth of her craving to be part of him...frightened by her inability to hold on to sanity...

Another plea of protest whimpered in her throat, but Marcus wasn’t listening to her...

‘Tell me you want me,’ he demanded harshly against her ear...‘Tell me,’ he demanded again...

Maggie moaned, incapable of saying a word as her body pulsed and expanded...Shivering and suddenly shockingly aware of what she was doing, Maggie tried to pull away from him, protesting, ‘No, Marcus...Not now, not here...’

Instead of letting her go, he gripped her arms savagely, his face contorted and suddenly unfamiliar. ‘Yes,’ he told her thickly. ‘Yes, Maggie. Yes...right here and now. Like this.’

...he pushed her against the desk...she had time only to moan a short protest before she felt him... (pp. 164-168)

The imminent issue is the nature of male and female sexual contacts, controls, responsibility in our world today, and the role of the media who instruct young people in the way of cultural life.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Does it matter that Maggie said, "No" to this sexual encounter? What does this story seem to say about a woman’s "No?"
2. Does the novelist use Maggie’s reluctance to an action, a fantasy she has held for years, as additional titillation for the actors and readers of this affair? In other words, does "No" here add in any way to the excitement of this scene?
3. Studies show that some women and many more men tend to blame rape, and especially date or acquaintance rape, on the victim. Is this fair? Explain. If the answer is no, is the media partially responsible? Is there any way to hold the media accountable?
4. How might a woman incite date rape? What responsibility do women bear in preventing acquaintance rape? Is a woman who has clearly said "no" ever to blame for being raped?
5. Does a woman have the right to reconsider and change her mind—perhaps at the last minute—and say "no" when her actions up to that point have conveyed a "yes" or a "maybe"?
6. What should society do to a "nice" young student who is found responsible for date rape?
7. What are your opinions about preventing this social epidemic?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Some colleges and universities have responded vigorously to the reality that one out of four college students experiences attempted rape and one out of eight is actually raped in their four years of school. Date rape is also common but seldom reported at the high school level. There must be an effort at the high school and university levels to protect young women from such trauma and young men from such insensitivity and callousness.
2. Youth groups are a proper setting for viewing pertinent media and discussing this problem. Such sensitizing and education will not only protect but promote a better understanding of ourselves as sexual beings and the nature of healthy relationships.
3. Many parents are still giving no—or pitifully basic—sexual instructions to their sons and daughters. Discussions of the many conflicting views of sexual relations should be taking place in the family. Such conversations demand great vulnerability, courage, and persistence from the father and mother. Though many young adults complain they were never given instruction from either parent, this does not mean that the parents did not try. Teenagers can be very resistant to such talks.

Dean Borgman cCYS