Bringing Incest to Light.

This past week actress Mackenzie Phillips dropped a major bomb while appearing Oprah Winfrey's television talk show, she had a a consensual sexual relationship with her father. Mackenzie's father was the now late, famed musician John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas. Father and daughter were both known to be substance abusers. During the interview Mackenzie openly admitted to getting high with her father then engaging in sex with him. She would live this hidden life for over ten years until she eventually became pregnant. At the time she conceived she was not only involved with her father but she had a boyfriend as well. Unsure of who the father of her unborn child could be, Mackenzie terminated the pregnancy and finally ended her sexual relationship with her father. She had not told a soul until now.

After watching the interview I was heartbroken yet angry about Mackenzie's secret. I felt heartbroken because no young girl should have to submit to such disgusting and immoral behavior. I have heard of many situations like this being that my mom works for San Bernardino County Child Protective Services and after hearing every story I feel so much sympathy for the young victims. Unlike many cases my mom sees on a day to day basis, Mackenzie's case left me not only angry with her father but angry at her. I could not understand how she could allow her father to not only touch her but to continue to allow him to touch her. I understand that many victims of incest are afraid of telling someone in fear of their relative would punish them or lie to those who the victim confided to but regardless those situations should never be kept a secret.
Despite not agreeing with Mackenzie's choice to continue the relationship, I am proud and glad that she is now bringing the issue to light. I hope that many young girls and even boys can now feel comfortable addressing the issue.

(television, ABC, 9/23, 3 p.m.)