Did I Ask For it? An In-depth Study of Sports Violence through Fredrik Backman's Novel Beartown.
October 22 2024 | Joelle Kim
12 girls. 4 boys. From our class of 24 students, 16 of us are predicted to experience some form of sexual assault - well, more than half the class. According to a study released by the nonprofit organization Stop Street Harassment, “81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime” (A National Study on Sexual Harassment and Assault), and we are no exception. Neither was high-schooler Maya Andersson, who became a victim of sexual assault by her own schoolmate and hockey player Kevin Erdahl in Fredrik Backman’s Beartown. The setting is a small village called Beartown, where the community’s pride heavily depends on the outcome of their junior league ice hockey team, the Bears. Upon the Bears’ victory in the semifinal hockey game, Kevin, the star player, hosts a celebratory party and invites Maya and her friend Ana. During the party, Kevin fabricates a bet with his friend Lyt that he could get Maya to sleep with him and proceeds to rape her that night. At Glenbrook North High School, where there is an active sports community, students must know the repercussions of sexual assault so that it can be prevented or handled more carefully. Beartown notes the link between sports violence and sexual assault cases that can arise; it also touches on how sports culture can influence community responses to sexual violence. Not only that, the novel further sheds light on trauma and mental health and how the role of family and friends, and the initiative the victim takes for their process of healing from trauma.
First, Beartown explores the violent nature of sports, which leads to increased likeliness of sexual assault. It is important to acknowledge that hypermasculinity is connected to sexual violence and other factors, such as alcohol, which may contribute to problematic behaviors in the sports community. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge this idea to prevent these tragedies from occurring. Kristy L. McCray, an assistant professor in sports management at Otterbein University, explains how the nature of sports can lead to the outcome of sports-related violence or hypermasculinity. She claims that sports typically influence an individual to inherit a hypermasculine character, which connects hypermasculinity to violence (Ladika 2). McCray suggests that there is a strong connection between the type of sports, particularly those with hypermasculine culture, and violence. This assertion aligns with the exploration of sports violence in Beartown, which also presents the association with the aggressive nature of hockey.
The novel delves into factors such as alcohol that may contribute to sports violence and how it can escalate to even more severe forms of aggression, such as rape. Due to the overly competitive nature of some sports, such as hockey, players are led to prioritize winning at all costs. This type of aggressive, bold mentality can promote a culture where roughness is normalized and dominance is asserted. In addition to the claims made by other experts who have studied the relationship between sports and violence, Beartown provides a fictional scenario of these themes, shedding light on the effects of sports culture and its potential consequences, including the perpetuation of violence and instances of sexual assault.
Moreover, when David, the coach of the Beartown junior league hockey team, is watching an old hockey game played by the Bears, Benji, an asset to Beartown’s junior league hockey team, reveals his aggressive character. A scenario is described where Kevin finds himself chased by an opponent when Benji approaches them at high speed, hitting the opponent on the neck with his stick, which sends him flying into the opposing team’s bench (Backman 41). Another similar instance is during Maya’s assault. Kevin ignores Maya’s pleas for him to stop and uses physical violence to prevent her from escaping his grip. When she tries to stop his hand, he tightly clenches his other fist around her throat “like a vise” to suppress her screams (Backman 176). In the first example, Benji and Kevin, who are supposedly strong assets to the hockey team, are portrayed as hostile and violent. Such behavior supports the assertion of hypermasculinity in sports violence and also portrays the greater risk of sexual assault, especially if sports teams possess this type of culture. The evidence from both the novel and the articles points to the same conclusion: the nature of some sports leads to sports violence.
The violent nature found among athletes can also be connected to the use of physical violence Kevin shows during the assault. In research done by Hayley Finn, masculinity and alcohol consumption are common factors related to violence and sports. Recent studies in sports and sports-related violence concluded that there is a higher rate of alcohol use and violence in athletes compared to non-athletes, which could be a contributing factor to the violent nature seen in the sports community (Finn 2). It was also found that the prevalence of sexual assault indicates that about a quarter of women in America have encountered sexual assault, including rape. Roughly half of these incidents involve the consumption of alcohol by either the perpetrator, the victim, or both. Alcohol increases the likelihood of sexual assault through various ways, often “exacerbating existing risk factors” (Abbey 1). These pieces of evidence suggest that alcohol consumption and masculinity are frequently associated with violence in sports, as indicated by a review of studies showing higher rates of alcohol use and violence among athletes.
The novel also analyzes the factors contributing to sports violence, some of which include alcohol consumption and hypermasculine attitudes. The book clarifies that Maya and Kevin were drinking at Kevin’s party. Maya claims that she doesn’t remember when Kevin gives her the first alcoholic drink, but she finds the second one much more enjoyable (Backman 164). The narrative also asserts that Kevin was drinking a lot. It is shown that Kevin keeps challenging Lyt, his fellow teammate and friend, who can drink their alcoholic beverage the fastest, and Kevin ends up winning every time (Backman 164). It is evident that there was a heavy presence of alcohol consumption at the party, suggesting the potential for further violence. Such instances depict how alcohol can lower inhibitions and contribute to situations where violence, including sexual assault, may occur within the context of sports culture. There are articles explaining how the nature of sports can lead to sports violence, and various quotes from the novel present factors of sports violence, such as alcohol consumption. In conclusion, Beartown provides a comprehensive exploration of sports violence and its correlation with sexual assault. The novel sheds light on the hypermasculine culture, alcohol consumption, and competitive nature prevalent in sports communities that can lead to sexual assault.
Furthermore, the type of community response in addressing issues of violence, such as sexual assault, can significantly impact the victim. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and intervene in violence within athletic contexts. An article from PubMed Central, a database of peer-reviewed research, called Unfounded Sexual Assault: Women’s Experiences of Not Being Believed by the Police states, “...research suggests that police officers often make decisions about the truthfulness of sexual assault reports prior to a thorough investigation … [they] found that increased victim blame by police during the investigation of sexual assault resulted in fewer investigative steps and decreased the likelihood of the case proceeding to prosecution” (Murphy-Oikonen 3). Such evidence points to how authority tries to increase “victim blame” instead of trying to prosecute the actual perpetrator.
This is seen in the book Beartown by Fredrik Backman when the authorities question Maya. Fredrik Backman narrates, “That’s why no one asks what the boy did; as soon as the girl starts to talk [authorities] interrupt her instead with questions about what she did… Why didn’t she take photographs of her bruises right away? Why did she run away from the party instead of saying anything to the other guests?... [Maya] shouldn’t have put herself in that situation” (Backman 234). Though the police are questioning Maya, it appears she is being asked the wrong questions. The novel also points to how authority figures, supposed to be public defenders, needlessly interrogate the victim with leading questions instead of focusing their efforts on the perpetrator.
Similarly, a case study of sexual assault in the athletic community introduces Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach who was a convicted child molester. An article by CNN, a national news source, provides a quote by General Linda Kelly in response to the Jerry Sandusky verdict, “‘...one of the recurring themes of the witnesses’ testimony is ‘who would believe a kid?’’” (qtd. in CNN, General Linda Kelly 2). In an article by NPR, one of the most trusted news sources in the United States, the sister of one of the victims claims, “I’ve just been really upset about it all,’ she added, ‘because a lot of people aren’t focusing on the victims in this’” (qtd. in Memmott 3). This detail demonstrates instances where people are more likely to believe an adult's words over a child's. As such, victims may exhibit difficulty in stepping forward with their honesty. Beartown also displays a scene where Kevin is treated with more sympathy than Maya, even though Mays is the victim. Fredrik Backman explains, “One player says: ‘What are they talking about? I saw them at the party. SHE was the one who had the hots for HIM!’ Then another says: ‘Fucking bullshit! I saw them go up to his room, she went FIRST!’ And a third declares: ‘As if she didn’t want it! Did you see how she was dressed!? Little bitch’” (Backman 265). It is evident that the credible and well-known team is being heard over the victim, who is an ordinary high school girl. The tendency for the public to side with “credible” or more “well-established” sides like adults or sports team members over the victim further isolates victims which prevent victims from receiving proper closure or the justice that they deserve. This poor response from the community can impact the victim into feeling like they’re isolated or cornered after experiencing a traumatizing and life-changing moment.
Moreover, sports-related violence induces trauma and mental health consequences for the victim. Recognizing the impact of sports-related violence on victim’s trauma and mental health is crucial for promoting a safer and more supportive environment within the sports community. According to federal researchers, it is proven that teenage girls throughout the United States are experiencing more violence and trauma. This includes increases in instances of rape and sexual violence, along with uncommon levels of experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness (St George 1). Some statistics prove this claim. In 2021, almost one-third of high school girls stated they seriously contemplated suicide, as revealed by recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, nearly 15 percent of teenage girls reported being pressured into having sex (St George 1). This emphasis shows how consequential and alarming this number would be in our society and even our class. The article further provides us with the claim that teen girls are depressed due to the cause of sexual abuse and trauma. In addition, Beartown provides an instance where Maya ponders the idea of ending things one night. She starts lining up her mother’s sleeping pills she had found in the bathroom and questions how many it would take for her never to wake up again (Backman 219). Maya illustrates an example of adolescents who are victims of rape that start to experience feelings of despair and thoughts of suicide.
Mental health and trauma are especially relevant today because these feelings of depression and hopelessness are major causes of the leading cause of death of American teenagers: suicide. Maya is thinking of killing herself because she was a victim of sexual assault and the traumatic experience of rape. Beartown demonstrates how victims of sexual assault can be driven to suicide. Suicide has increased to become known as one of the leading causes of death of American teenagers (CDC 1), and these quotes demonstrate how the trauma associated with sexual assault can lead to suicide. It is imperative to acknowledge the aftermath of rape and sexual assault as well as how varied it can be. Sexual assault can affect individuals in many different ways. Recognizing the aftermath of rape and sexual assault is crucial, considering its diverse impacts. The experience can deeply traumatize individuals, evoking feelings of fear, shame, and isolation or triggering nightmares and flashbacks (Smith, Segal 1). The aftermath of sexual misconduct can be varied and disheartening. In other words, sexual assault can affect individuals who are victims of rape in many different ways. Beartown recalls an example of this when Maya gets a flashback of her traumatic night, “And when she does, she’s back in that boy’s bedroom with its trophies and hockey posters. Sobbing, she fumbles her hand over her hooded top for a blouse-button that was never there” (Backman 210). Maya’s inability to escape from that night is prevalent in the way she is unable to avoid seeing flashbacks of the assault. This not only shows that Maya is traumatized from that night, but her mental health is declining due to her inability to cope with the incident.
In conclusion, the profound impact of sports-related violence on victim’s trauma and mental health highlights the urgent need for creating safer and more supportive environments within the sports community. As evidenced by federal researchers and depicted in stories like Beartown, instances of violence, particularly against teen girls, can lead to profound feelings of desolation. By acknowledging and addressing the varied consequences of sports-related violence, we can work towards preventing further harm and fostering healing for those affected.
Next, the book emphasizes that family and friends can have a positive impact on the healing process of victims of sexual violence. A study published on PubMed Central examined the role of parental support in children’s trauma after they experience sexual abuse and whether the parents’ role is beneficial or harmful for the child. The findings revealed that strong family support significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, with children placing a high value on the comfort and security provided by their parents (Asgeirsdottir 2). This is illustrated in Beartown, where Maya, after being sexually assaulted, finds solace in her mother’s presence during a difficult hospital visit (Backman 244). The scene demonstrates how immediate parental support can help victims manage trauma, aligning with research that shows how much support contributes to both short-term and long-term healing. The article gave us an insight into the study of the role parents’ support plays in children’s trauma after they have experienced sexual misconduct. It reveals that parental support is beneficial in the short-term and long-term healing for the victim.
Conversely, the Beartown quote narrates a scene where Maya is in the hospital getting medical tests done to prove she was sexually assaulted and getting comforted by her mom. This quote demonstrates the support she receives from her mom, as this experience in the hospital can be very stressful and traumatic for Maya. Having parental support from her mom will not only comfort her now, but according to the study, it will help her heal better and more effectively in the future as well. This shows that family support positively impacts the healing process of a sexual abuse victim. This pair exemplifies how the role of a rape victim’s family can positively impact the healing process of the victim.
Family is seen as one of the most important and impactful sources of support, so it is out first. Similarly, the support of friends is also crucial. Another article from PubMed Central looks at the effects of social support on sexual abuse victims. It studies how effective various support systems like family, friends, and medical centers can impact sexual abuse victims. It emphasizes that victims with stronger social support from friends experience higher self-esteem, essential for recovery (Shahali 2-4). In Beartown, Maya’s best friend Ana provides this kind of support by holding her as she breaks down after the assault, demonstrating the powerful role friends play in emotional healing (Backman 222). The first quote from the article by PubMed depicts how the support of friends is crucial to a young person’s healing process.
On the other hand, the quote shows how Maya’s best friend Ana tries to support her through her traumatic experience. Additionally, Ana was the first person Maya told about the rape incident. She was also the person who encouraged Maya to speak up and tell others about her experience of sexual violence. This pair shows that the support of young friends can positively impact the healing process of a younger/teenage sexual abuse victim as well. Together, these examples affirm that both family and friends are integral to the healing process of sexual violence victims.
Finally, the victim takes the initiative and steps to heal from trauma, as seen through various research and literary examples. A study from the McGill Journal of Medicine discusses the different forms of treatments that sexual assault victims can go through to help heal from their trauma. While there are multiple approaches, the study measures the success of treatment through how well the victim can integrate back into their everyday life. It also discusses the importance of personal agency in the recovery process. It highlights that successful treatment is measured by the victim’s ability to re-engage with life and regain control over their emotions and actions (Chivers-Wilson 2). This aligns with Maya’s experience in Beartown, where she takes the first step toward recovery by returning to school despite knowing she will face judgment and rumors (Backman 278). Her decision to confront this situation demonstrates her active role in her healing process. A study from McGill Journal talks about a survey that measures the success of treatment through how well the victim of sexual harassment can integrate back into their everyday life.
On the contrary, the example from Beartown exemplifies how Maya is trying to return to her ordinary way of life by taking the first step of returning to school, where she would see her perpetrator. For Maya, the first step was to go to the place where she would have to see her perpetrator or the person who assaulted her, which was at her high school. The second initiative she took for her own life was to seek professional help, which is more long-term but is a step she decided to take for herself to heal through her trauma. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, child sexual abuse is prevalent, and there are various risk factors for identifying victims. It then goes into detail about various treatments for victims of child sexual abuse and which treatments are best for certain age groups, trauma types, etc. It emphasizes that trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for young victims of sexual abuse, as it helps them develop coping mechanisms and positive strategies for dealing with their trauma (Hanson 10). Maya’s decision to see a therapist reflects her commitment to working through her trauma on her own terms. While she expresses some dissatisfaction with the therapist, her choice to engage in therapy shows her determination to take control of her healing (Backman 400).
According to the article, therapy is the best intervention for children and adolescents who have gone through sexual abuse because it teaches them about positive coping skills and various ways to deal with their specific traumas. The fact that Maya took the steps to find and see a therapist shows that she is taking the initiative in her own life to heal from her trauma. Overall, these examples demonstrate that taking initiative is essential in the victim’s journey to healing from trauma.
Sexual assault is not a one-time event. It affects the victim forever and can have life-changing consequences for everyone involved. It’s important for this topic not only to be normalized among adolescents in society but also for more awareness regarding its prevalence among sports communities. The novel brings awareness to how sports-related violence can often lead to sexual misconduct and also depicts the consequences that come of it - especially among adolescents. Beartown also addresses critical issues of sexual violence, such as controversial responses from the community, such as police officers during questioning and fellow students’ reactions. In addition, this novel sheds light on how controversial responses from the community and fellow students’ reactions can all play a role in the victim’s trauma and mental health. The novel ends by bringing awareness to various forms of healing from trauma, such as family and friends’ support, along with initiatives and steps that the victim takes to heal from rape.
Communities, such as Glenbrook North High School, may have such instances of assault, and there must be better educational initiatives for students regarding this issue. One such way to do this would be to hold formal educational classes on sexual assault, consent, and steps to take if a teen becomes a victim. Not only that but awareness of sexual assault can be given through various other channels, such as classrooms or even social media. According to an article from Edutopia called “The Role of Education in Preventing Sexual Misconduct,” “Research shows that the more we talk about sex and agency in the late childhood and teen years, the less likely it is that abusive dynamics will arise…” (McGuire 2). By normalizing the topic, its risk factors, and its importance, sexual assault can be prevented entirely among adolescents. In our classroom alone, 12 girls and 4 boys are predicted to experience some form of sexual violence. Perhaps with the suggested solutions, the projected number of victims of sexual assault can be decreased to a mere zero.
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