It's been only a few days, but already Hollywood is buzzing...only this time, about a little less glitz and glam.
Recent allegations of top industry mogul Harvey Weinstein abusing his power and compromising the relationships of men and women in the industry are surfacing and have shocked countless individuals. The reality that these survivors of assault and harassment are experiencing is something Cristal and myself know a little too well. Before coming out about us surviving rape; we too were vulnerable, fearful, confused, and ashamed of our truth. As we follow these stories, we pay our respects and solidarity to those who have spoken up, and the individuals still seeking support to speak up. Moments like these are not uncommon and in some cases occurs right under our noses. How can we become more sensitive to these issues? LISTEN. A survivor coming forward is one of the most terrifying experiences. I remember sitting in my bed sobbing before I got on the phone to tell my other brother I was raped my freshman year of college, or explaining to my parents or school's administration as I sought protection while completing my education. Mustering up the courage to exress to family, an employer, a friend, or the authorities of your story takes a lot for anyone to do. So whether you yourself are a survivor or know someone who is, or if you are simply curious and stumbled on our page...we ask that you hear us & the ones still coming forward out. Listen to the cries that are too many. Listen to the stories that are a little too uncomfortable to hear. Listen to the man or woman who is needing a listening ear not a mouthful of questions or judgment. Listen. Listen...because despite of the drastically small percentages of people who come forward and falsely accuse someone in comparison to proven assault cases...these stories matter. They matter because there are countless and I mean countless numbers of cases that go unheard of; let alone brought to trial. I was able to gain enough strength and courage to speak about my story solely because there was a safe place where I felt I could. If we as a culture can have open conversations about lust, sex, and promiscuity through the context of mass media, we must also be able to listen and observe uncomfortable accounts of abuse through these acts. If we can't simply listen to these stories, then we have to asses why that it is; more importantly learn how we can provided safer spaces for those who want to to be free to speak, and free to do so without fear. With love and solidarity, Devin Marie with Herstory
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2020
Categories |