“You have seen my descent, now watch my rising”. – Rumi
It seems the moment has finally arrived when the victim finds the courage to confront the aggressor. It is never a pretty moment and it likely comes from a depth of despair and disgust that a woman feels after rape or the degrees of dehumanization that come from being body identified. It is not only happening here in the United States, it is happening world over, as if a switch were suddenly turned on lighting up the dark corners, and bringing the courage that only light can give.
There are many men and women hoping this cup will pass them by without their names dragged through the mud. Leaders caution that we should not be hasty in our judgment, and too many women are still fearful of the backlash that will surely come.
Some anxiously await the moment the next perpetrator – victim might be exposed. With an appetite that borders on voyeurism, we devour the news and ironically it seems the focus is once again on the perpetrator. The one who has always been in control. The one who has mattered most.
I am over being shocked. I am not interested in vilifying or being titillated by this new form of porn. I am much more interested in celebrating the women, girls, boys and even a few men, who have come forward breaking the silence and exposing some of the deepest rooted sicknesses of our kind.
I am interested in saluting the strength that it takes to come forward at this time while the pinnacle of ignorance in patriarchy reigns.
I am interested in listening to the voices of young women who are calling out not only rape culture but also a culture of pedophilia that has grown up around most of us for the past few generations unchecked.
I am interested in keeping the cut open allowing the pus to drain. I am interested in this healing for ourselves, our children and for our ancestors as well.
Peace is not possible without transparency. Not in our being, not in our family, not in our community, not in our world.
We are not victims. We are human beings who have been violated. It is time to restore dignity. Thank you to all who find the courage. It is for all of us.
This piece aired on 91.9 FM WDRT’s “Consider This”, Thursday, Nov 30, 2017. You can live stream “Consider This” every Thursday at 5:28 pm CST.
photo compliments of NOHO
let kindness win 