Warning: May be triggering to survivors of violence.
This year, my New Years Resolution for 2018 was to write more meaningful content. And yet, it has taken me nearly 9 months to do so. I could never quite find the topic that made me want to put my foot down. I was searching for a subject that really moved me enough to want to write about it. I didn't know that the subject needed to find me.
The over climate in America just seems chilly. We are not short of topics that are worth taking a stand for and discussing. But it has become much easier to sit back and listen than it has been to point out another opinion. Social media is already filled with politically scented bias and a collection of strong opinions. Our feeds have become a gathering of hatred instead of a place for a community. So today I propose we exercise empathy. Empathy for everyone has human beings.
Today, Christine Blasey Ford has spoken and been questioned as the Senate hearing. As I watched the live feed on Twitter, I couldn't help but feel empathy for everyone involved. It was easy to recognize the pain in her eyes. I'm not here to argue fact or state political views, but rather to point out the lack of compassion and respect that we have for each other right now.
Many women have spoken up and supported Christine. It could be because 1 in every 5 women have been raped and nearly half of those women were raped by an acquaintance. This subject is striking a nerve for American women because 1 in every 5 of them can relate to this story. Considering nearly 63% of sexual assaults go unreported, it's not surprising that Dr. Ford could be part of that percentage. If you have never experienced this or know someone who has, then it could be difficult to relate and easy to point fingers. However, for the people who have experienced this trauma: her actions, jumbled recollections and disruptions from everyday life is a reality to them. Yes, every several decades later!!! Trauma doesn't go away with time.
It should speak volumes that this woman, in 2012, had seen a licensed professional about this very accusation. As if talking about this for more than 6 years wasn't enough, she is about to relive it forever. Christine Blasey Ford will forever be a part of our United States history. In the history of the United States, there has never been a hearing like the Christine Blasey Ford hearing. That fact alone would lead many people to keep quiet. I personally wouldn't want my name attached to such a traumatic event for decades to come. However, I am forever grateful that she has been brave enough to do it for everyone who can't do it for themselves. In many peoples eyes, she will be remembered as a pillar of strength to survivors here and around the world. This hearing and subject are being read and discussed on a global level.
So if you are reading this, I urge you to do a few things:
1. If you see or hear a story that supports your viewpoint. Take a second to type it into Snopes.com and find out if its true. This is an unbiased fact checker. Here is a link to them discrediting the idea that Christine Blasey Ford was linked to George Soros. Here (insert eye roll here)
2. Listen to what people have to say, especially if their viewpoint or political beliefs are different. Believe it or not, we can learn A LOT from one another. I'm not saying that you have to change your political viewpoints but maybe you might come around to viewing things from someone else's eyes.
3. Treat everyone you meet with compassion. You don't know what people are going through and everyone wants to be treated like a human being. Think twice before posting something incredibly hurtful on the internet. There are many ways to argue your point without being ruthless, vicious and vulgar.
Lastly, if this triggered you to remember an act of sexual assault then please seek resources here.
The number for the National Sexual Assualt Hotline is 800.656.HOPE (4673).
