Anyone Here Been Raped and Speaks English?

Edward Behr's 1978 memoir chronicles his experiences as a British war correspondent covering major conflicts across Asia and Africa during the 1960s and 70s. The provocative title comes from an actual incident during the Congo Crisis, when a BBC reporter called out those words to rescued Belgian nuns. The book details Behr's time embedded with various groups of international journalists, including the "Maghreb Circus," as they covered wars, revolutions, and humanitarian crises. Through firsthand accounts, it documents the complex relationships between foreign correspondents, local populations, and the events they were tasked with reporting. Behr's memoir captures the professional and ethical tensions inherent in war journalism, particularly regarding how Western media interacts with non-Western subjects. The narrative raises questions about journalistic responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and the role of language in shaping international news coverage.

Most readers view this memoir as a candid look at war reporting's ethical dilemmas, with the provocative title drawn from an actual incident Behr witnessed. Readers appreciated: - Raw honesty about the cynicism in foreign correspondence - Behind-the-scenes details of major historical events - Writing style that balances gravity with dark humor Common criticisms: - Some readers found the title needlessly shocking - Several noted the dated perspectives on developing nations - A few felt Behr was too self-congratulatory Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "Behr captures the absurd reality of parachute journalism." Another wrote: "Important perspective on media ethics, though some attitudes haven't aged well." The memoir maintains relevance for journalism students and media professionals, though reviews suggest it's read more for its historical insights than contemporary guidance.

The Bang Bang Club by Greg Marinovich, Joao Silva Four photographers document the brutal violence of South Africa's apartheid era while confronting ethical questions about photographing human suffering.

Generation Kill by Evan Wright A reporter embedded with U.S. Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq chronicles the realities of modern warfare and the complexities of military journalism.

War by Sebastian Junger The account follows combat journalists in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley as they navigate relationships with soldiers and document the psychological impacts of continuous combat.

The Race Beat by Gene Roberts The book examines how journalists covered the American civil rights movement while balancing professional obligations with moral imperatives.

The First Casualty by Phillip Knightley This chronicle of war correspondents from the Crimean War through modern conflicts explores how truth becomes compromised in wartime reporting.

🔸 The book's title comes from a real moment when British journalists, arriving at a Belgian Congo convent where nuns had been assaulted, shouted this shocking question while seeking English-speaking victims for interviews. 🔸 Edward Behr's career included working for Reuters, TIME magazine, and Newsweek, covering major events like the Algerian War of Independence and the Bangladesh Liberation War. 🔸 The "Maghreb Circus" referenced in the book was a nickname for the group of international journalists who followed the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962), moving between Morocco and Tunisia. 🔸 During his time as a war correspondent, Behr interviewed numerous historical figures including Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam. 🔸 Beyond this memoir, Behr wrote several other notable books including "The Last Emperor," which was adapted into the Academy Award-winning 1987 film of the same name.