This one goes out to the women who’ve been assaulted, whether or not they see fit to divulge it.
Our society has a tendency to shame and blame victims. The accusations are based on the same insane symptoms. Some are disbelieved, others completely ignored, or left with the blame themselves called sinners and whores. Stratify us create lore meant to divide us. The taboo to even mention it is fueled by bias. But I don’t blame those who’ve decided they won’t speak. Feels like people will turn on you every time you’re shown weak. And for those not involved, there still feels intent to limit discussion. Denialism perpetrated by those who experienced nothing. So instead of heaping on shame or pity, saying they shouldn't be alone or they shouldn’t look pretty. Saying they should just get over it or not care at all. Deeming if they should be fit to rise or fall. Live your life how you want, it should be free of judgment. And may one who does judge you be deemed a nutwit. You can still achieve greatness if that's your bid, don’t believe me? Let’s look at some people who did. Rita Hayworth was beautiful in many films and musicals. Hitting the screen with such, your eyes may suffer impairment. Even beyond those times, helped raise Alzheimer’s awareness. A princess even after her divorce from Khan. Even if she’s not with us, her memory’s not gone. Billie Holiday, a peak talent of her time passed away too soon, but her tunes are still alive. Assaulted as a child and hit with the blame. Abused throughout her life, should’ve been shown more love. The man who was in bed with her, also in bed with the gov. When Strange Fruit came through, a reminder of the hatred, helped cement her name, even when chased by statesmen. Just remember your past pains don’t have to keep you from making a statement. Maya Angelou, a name widely respected. She acted, wrote, danced, and even directed. Maybe you don’t know her work but you’ve probably heard things. Like her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Campaigned for civil rights, met MLK and Malcolm. Yet despite her respect and positive outcome. She was once a child, bullied and taken advantage. It laid heavy on her, but even so, she still managed to open up and other victims wrote her doing the same. You know she still rises, as her most beloved poem maintains. It’s okay if you don’t wanna gain fame or make a name. Want to live a fine life and have it remain the same. Don’t feel like you have to but what I hope you may ingrain. Is that you’re not alone, and you shouldn’t be demeaned. Among your number are many others held in high esteem. Even though you may have to contend with dismay, you’re still worthy of love at the end of the day.
Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/05/920375498/the-united-states-vs-billie-holiday
https://www.proquest.com/docview/1301542469/B7BAC88F907422BPQ/1?accountid=4485&imgSeq=1
https://www.proquest.com/docview/1038833430/CF7B36E276FD4941PQ/2?accountid=4485
https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/153581
https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/16/obituaries/rita-hayworth-movie-legend-dies.html?searchResultPosition=3