Alice in Lace Book

[The "false molestation accusation" storyline didn't bother me as a younger (though still not young enough) reader, but now everything about it skeeves me out. It reads almost like a calculated attempt to inculcate preteens into the fucked-up mores and standards of rape culture.

How often do false molestation accusations happen in real life? Particularly compared to true ones? I don't like a kids' story reinforcing the idea that vulnerable girls and women use rape accusation as a method of revenge and that handsome and charming grown men are to be pitied for bearing the consequences of such an accusation, even consequences as mild as "suspended with pay pending investigation."

It's especially insidious how Mr. Everett's charm and good looks are presented as reasons that he couldn't possibly be guilty, when in reality those are reasons to be EXTRA suspicious: abusers groom apologists. Being charming and friendly and a good teacher and generally beloved is exactly how a molesting teacher would remain employed and continue to prey on students.

This story isn't written in a way where it's supposed to leave you with lingering doubts. It's made crystal clear that Jill's accusation false; that Alice witnessed the incident in question and it didn't actually happen as Jill reported it; that an objective observer could plainly see that no wrongdoing occurred. Alice clearing Mr. Everett's name is treated as this big heroic act. It's supposed to be an uncomplicated feel-good resolution. I know that we're supposed to believe this and that the author believes this. Yet... I still don't. I'm suspicious of this Mr. Everett.

We really don't know what went on between Everett and Jill behind closed doors, nor do we know how she felt about the conversation that Alice witnessed or what other private interactions with him might have contextualized it differently for her. It's perfectly plausible that Jill was harrassed or assaulted by Mr. Everett, just not the in moment that Alice witnessed. With that reading in mind, the reactions of the other adults and students, including Alice, are frankly chilling. (hide spoiler)]