Freedom to speak, freedom to say anything you wish. Freedom to have any opinion you want. No rules, free for all. When the #metoo movement started, I had no intentions of projecting myself into the mix, because we all have a Story to tell. But, in order to protect my children, I feel as though I must. To stop the cycle. Because I refuse to raise victims. This is not the story of my rape or molestation. This is my story of getting to be able to accept myself for who I am and to show my daughter that I am strong. This is my perception of #metoo.
A Life Locked Up
I learned very young in life that you do not need to be in jail to be locked up. When you have nowhere to run, and no one to talk to, you are living a life locked up. Talking about things like Sexual assault and rape is still such a taboo subject. When word got out about Weinstein and his escapades, women starting saying #metoo, and the hashtag took off like a rocket. What was life like before it took hold? How did we talk about such horrible things such as these?
We did not, and nodded kindly if some brave soul started to share their story. Not something that we often discuss in the hen house. This movement will hopefully start a new trend as well. That is not shying away when someone finds that courage. Even if you say nothing, actually listening to whatever they have to say can change everything. I promise you your time to that person is worth more than gold in that moment.
Giving Back The Voice Of Many
It’s not just women who are coming out of the shadows with these horror stories. Men are taking social media by surprise and speaking out too. And do you know why? #metoo is not just women. Sexual assault happens to 1 in 71 men, according to the CDC. Men have a stigma all on their own because it is weak (bullshit) for a man to be assaulted. (bullshit, again.) #metoo sees no age, race, or gender.
This took guts because admitting this is admitting that we are human, and humans get hurt. And just as the snowball effect predicts, this movement of #metoo has become bigger than what Alyssa Milano could have ever hoped for. Because she used her platform for good and has brought the world of sexual abuse to a front and center stand. She has given back the voices of many, without even trying. For that, I am grateful.
#metoo Hits Home, Hard!
Watching these tweets come in has given me courage. Courage to tell my daughter that it is always ok to talk about the things that hurt us. To say that it’s not ok for sexual abuse to even be part of our culture. I can look in the mirror and say #metoo without cringing and be wanting to take my skin and set it on fire. And that it will never define me. My story is only part of who I am. And who I plan to be.
Don’t allow your self to become what your story made you feel. I can tell you that it has been a long road, and the path to where I stand today was hard, and there were so many times I did quit because it was more than I could bear. Until one day, I reached my limit. I would be a prisoner for not much longer. I found help. That listening ear. If you are struggling with your own story, I implore you to find your voice. The day you can step out of the dark and stand (even if it is alone) and say #metoo is the day you know you will make it.
Your story starts here
Ready to share? Want to show some support? Both talking as well as listening, are free.
Until next time,
Marlene
Other things to read:
13 years later; How I Met Your Father
What Do Moms Do All Day
The post #MeToo- Not Just Another Hashtag. appeared first on She's A Hot Mess.
#MeToo- Not Just Another Hashtag. was first posted on October 31, 2017 at 8:00 am.
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