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Swan Pond Press |
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Sometimes You Just Gotta Say It |
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In Dateline's coverage of the story of Bill Green last night, the question was posited as to whether his claim
of multiple personality disorder was even real, and if so, was it a valid defense against the charge of sexual assault against
his female prison therapist. The therapist, who testified on behalf of her client, was subjected to attacks against her professionalism
and credibility. At the end of the second trial, the jury found Bill Green guilty because, as they later said, even if he
has MPD, he is still guilty.
To Dateline, NBC
Re: "The Many Faces of Bill" -- Airdate Sunday, May 2, 2004
First, I'm inclined to believe that he has DID, in large part because your editing so slanted the piece toward the idea that
he was faking it -- and despite that, he still appeared genuine.
Some general observations: Many multiples may have been depressed or anxious since childhood, but are not diagnosed with or
present symptoms of DID until their 30s or 40s. Their main perpetrator may have died by then, or they managed to extricate
themselves from a toxic situation by then, or their children reached the age at which they were abused. That many of the prosecution's
witnesses who knew Bill had never (to their knowledge) seen another alter only demonstrates how well hidden the manifestations
of DID are until the person is old enough, or feels safe enough, to let them out. It's all about secrets, because that's how
people with DID survived their childhood.
Your reporter, generally, did not appear objective. He baited Bill in his interview; he repeatedly used language that indicated
his bias, such as saying to Bill's wife, "Being married to a multiple must be kind of extra-terrestrial." I'm sure my husband
will tell you that it can be bizarre and difficult, but "extra-terrestrial" is so condescending -- and so National Enquirer.
Your reporter also implied that because Bill Green's DNA had been linked to a 1979 murder that this was somehow the final
"proof" that Bill Green did not have DID. But there's no correlation, one way or the other. Neither does two guilty verdicts
in the case presented prove anything more than that he was found guilty.
There's a saying known to many multiples: no matter who does the crime, the body does the time. Having DID does not dissolve
your accountability. Multiple systems usually have elaborate safeguards to keep violent tendencies -- both to one's body,
and to other people -- in check. Bill's system, apparently, did not, at least not to the extent needed.
Lastly, the stereotype of a multiple committing murder and saying "the other one did it", is a stereotype -- and promulgating
it does nothing to advance society's understanding of DID. There are hundreds of multiples for every Bill who will never harm
anyone, precisely because they already survived that nightmare in their own lives.
Put Bill Green back in prison for his crimes. I have no problems with that. But don't attribute his violence, or his "multiple"
defense, to all multiples.
Sincerely,
Sarah E. Olson |
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