“If something is trending and interesting, ask critical questions. Who is participating? Who is benefiting? Who is left out?” ~ Brianna, The Wake (Influencer/Activist)
Albeit late, I had all intentions to post about Paris and our trip. Yet what’s been on my mind are the allegations that have been coming forward, seemingly daily, from the entertainment industry. More so feeling compassion for all the people who’ve bravely come forward with their stories.
Of course Me Too, I can count on both hands things that have happened. One, as a teenager was blown up in the media where I self-blamed, was slut shamed, victim blamed and shunned from my community. I don’t want to make this post about my story, I will go into detail in my memoir and short film.
Although, when I would share my story in my youth and onwards, I was shocked by how many people would confide in me something that happened to them that they “never talked about”. A victim’s shame can keep them withholding their experience and pain.
“So much about activism is giving visibility to those who are denied representation. It’s about giving voices to the disenfranchised. People who fight the hardest for these things are people who are actually within those communities.”~ Brianna, The Wake (Influencer/Activist)
The paradigm shift is upon us and it’s pertinent for us as a collective to discuss sexual assault and abuse, especially coming from the industry that influences our society. There’s a lot of owning up happening and we’re seeing people being held accountable for their actions. Women’s voices are being heard.
These cycles of abuse have been perpetuating generations upon generations. It is in the uncovering of these icky, murky, disgraceful depths that we can start to create change for our future generations by talking about it. By teaching respect and personal boundaries from a young age.
Open up, let’s talk about this. It’s not something to be ashamed of any longer, it’s something to become empowered through, together. There is solidarity and strength that can be found in sharing.
I commend everyone who is coming forward with their stories and the courage it takes to expose the pain. Empowerment is possible and you can overcome it. My heart goes out to you and surrounds you in healing light.
xo,
Nicole
Article where quotes were pulled from I highly recommend reading:
http://www.wakemag.org/sections/voices/me-too
Purpose and Dream 