Patty's Got A Gun, by William Graebner is a fantastic insight and analysis to the kidnapping of Patricia Hearst. Graebner's book gives the reader a view inside what was going on in the Symbionese Liberation Army with Patty Hearst. Patty's Got A Gun depicts a true story of Stockholm syndrome: how Patty Hearst went from being an abducted victim to a member of the SLA. This is one of the most bizarre stories in America's history to date, and I've always found the story of Patty Hearst interesting, but this book has made me think about it differently. The way the story was portrayed by the news or any outsider, Patty looked as if she was brainwashed and had truly became a member of the SLA. The bank robbery, and the shooting at Mel's Sporting Goods that took place while Patty was a part of the SLA really changed the public view of Patty from victim to criminal, but Graebner's book shows us that she was really just doing what most would do: survive.
On February 4, 1974, Patricia Hearst was kidnapped by the SLA at her apartment in Berkeley, California. Members of the SLA beat up her fiancé and took Patty because she was from an extremely wealthy family and figured the kidnapping would make front-page news. After holding her captive, the SLA released audiotapes that demanded millions of dollars worth of food to be donated. Patty was kept blind folded in a dark closet for six weeks. She was starved, had limited bathroom opportunities, and abused physically and sexually. The SLA eventually gave her an ultimatum to either become a member with them, or to reject the offer and be killed. Patty chose to live and join the SLA. This is where many thought Patty had been brainwashed. Granted, she had been tortured and was weak, but I believe her decision was made solely on survival. .
Patty released an audiotape to tell her family and the world that she was fine and had decided to become a member of the SLA.