Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
The final unidentified victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—a 1911 tragedy that had a huge impact on the creation of American labor laws and building codes—have finally been matched with names. What's really interesting to me: The fact that the bodies weren't identified with DNA, or any other modern science, but through simple detective work. Even before they died, the workers at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory were largely anonymous, except to the people who knew them personally. So, while official historians didn't know the names of all the dead, those names were always out there, buried in articles from small, neighborhood newspapers and passed down in family histories.
MOMA
Remembering Malcolm
Yesterday was the 46th anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination. I am drawn to how Malcolm’s conversion to Islam enabled him to find inner piece and broaden his viewpoints on race:
“No matter how much respect, no matter how much recognition whites show towards me…as long as that same respect and recognition isn’t shown towards everyone of our people in this country–it doesn’t exist for me.”
- Malcolm X
“No matter how much respect, no matter how much recognition whites show towards me…as long as that same respect and recognition isn’t shown towards everyone of our people in this country–it doesn’t exist for me.”
- Malcolm X
Friday, February 18, 2011
Oh, really, is it rape 'o clock already?
When you are looking to perpetuate rape culture Japanese animation never disappoints. Here we find a sample product of an upcoming toy line that will be released in January compliments of TOMOPOP. Product review reads:
"Excuse me miss, do you have the time? Oh, really, is it rape 'o clock already? Hm, well, you're here. And I'm here. Shall we just get this over with, then? Ms. Nanase is in prime raping position, being tied up to the bed and all. Plus, for ease of use, all of her clothes are easily detachable, and comes with a complimentary blindfold, if you can't look her in the eyes."
Site also encourages those to save up their dough or risk having to go on another raping spree.
Mandala of the Month
Mandala's are great stress relievers. Many hospitals use them for trauma victims as a way to cope w/ PTSD. Mandala of the Month offers just that, free mandala's monthly to color. For February we focus on joy, with the intent of continuing to focus on joy for the remainder of our days on this planet.
What is keeping us from our joy? Personally for me it usually comes down to a ‘deserving’ issue. Am I worthy of joy? How can I be joyful, when so many people suffer on a daily basis?
What happens to a room full of dull, boring people when a joyful baby appears; it changes the whole feel of the room and everyone in it. We need to be the joy and even if it’s a struggle to be joyful all the time, capture whatever moments of joy you can and savor it.
Coloring is one way to tap into your inner joy. Ponder this as you color this month’s mandala of the month.
What is keeping us from our joy? Personally for me it usually comes down to a ‘deserving’ issue. Am I worthy of joy? How can I be joyful, when so many people suffer on a daily basis?
What happens to a room full of dull, boring people when a joyful baby appears; it changes the whole feel of the room and everyone in it. We need to be the joy and even if it’s a struggle to be joyful all the time, capture whatever moments of joy you can and savor it.
Coloring is one way to tap into your inner joy. Ponder this as you color this month’s mandala of the month.
Domestic Violence Survivor Celena Roby creates "Celena's Law"
Celena Roby's abuser admitted to the judge that he had confined his wife and held her against her will, but he was nonetheless able to walk out of the courtroom a free man. Roby says the judge decided he was not guilty because she wasn't afraid enough of being harmed, even though this was a pattern of abuse, both physical assault and restraint, that had gone on for 11 years. "This is why women don't leave," Roby told the arresting officer. She said she was cut off from having friends, and felt like she was being kept in a "three-bedroom prison."
But Roby did leave, after her seven-year-old son, having seen her head smashed into the wall, thought that his mother should have just answered her abuser's question more quickly so as to escape harm. And then she decided to do something about this miscarriage of justice. That's when she came up with Celena's Law.
Celena's Law is modeled on legislation in 38 states that makes unlawful restraint a misdemeanor. In West Virginia, where Roby lives, kidnapping is a felony, but only applies to restraint intended to obtain a "concession" (ransom), which doesn't apply to domestic abuse situations. Which means that a domestic violence perpetrator, like Roby's husband, can stroll into a courtroom, admit to restraining his wife against her will, and walk out again a free man and confessed abuser. And it means that prosecutors have fewer ways to go after domestic violence perpetrators.
One in four American women experiences abuse from an intimate partner – and the number is actually higher because it's such an underreported crime. Domestic violence accounts for 30 percent of injuries to women treated in emergency settings; every year approximately 1.3 million women are assaulted or raped by a partner.
If these statistics aren't disturbing enough, domestic violence survivors are more likely to have depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These can cause withdrawal and poor coping skills that could impact someone's ability to function in the workplace, for example. Studies also show health problems lingering long after a survivor's injuries have healed: chronic ailments like insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, suicidal thoughts, crippling anxiety and substance abuse can persist for a lifetime.
But Roby did leave, after her seven-year-old son, having seen her head smashed into the wall, thought that his mother should have just answered her abuser's question more quickly so as to escape harm. And then she decided to do something about this miscarriage of justice. That's when she came up with Celena's Law.
Celena's Law is modeled on legislation in 38 states that makes unlawful restraint a misdemeanor. In West Virginia, where Roby lives, kidnapping is a felony, but only applies to restraint intended to obtain a "concession" (ransom), which doesn't apply to domestic abuse situations. Which means that a domestic violence perpetrator, like Roby's husband, can stroll into a courtroom, admit to restraining his wife against her will, and walk out again a free man and confessed abuser. And it means that prosecutors have fewer ways to go after domestic violence perpetrators.
If these statistics aren't disturbing enough, domestic violence survivors are more likely to have depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These can cause withdrawal and poor coping skills that could impact someone's ability to function in the workplace, for example. Studies also show health problems lingering long after a survivor's injuries have healed: chronic ailments like insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, suicidal thoughts, crippling anxiety and substance abuse can persist for a lifetime.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Call me Sisyphus
Within 20 minutes of another received two personal catastrophic events. One I can talk about. My father just died of a heart attack. Parents gone. I have no family anymore.
This week has been especially hard though it started out promising. Amazing actually. Strange what a difference a day makes. I am scared as I go through this completely alone. Well alone except for my boulder.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Is Bulletstorm the Worst Video Game Ever?
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Saturday, February 12, 2011
Calling out parents on bullying LGBT
This ad finally calls out the adults as the culprits for the cruelty that youth are inflicting upon each other...
Game to help you enhance those stalking skills
Just released in time for January's Stalking Awareness Month a video game where you stalk women!! From game creators: "Imagine a game where you're an up and coming fashion photographer learning the rope in the cut-throat entertainment industry. This isn't that. Instead you take pictures of unsuspecting women as they walk by. You're basically a stalker ...who works for a magazine."
Gwar disembowels Sarah Palin on stage
GWAR may be all about the performance, and objectifying women in heavy metal videos is nothing new, but disemboweling Sarah Palin in effigy on stage goes beyond shock jock entertainment. Violence against women is real and simulating it front of huge audience (many of which are teens) is perpetuating rape culture.
Leave em laughing with rape humor
Our first step in the prevention of sexual violence is to dismantle rape culture. Speak out against attitudes and behaviors that contribute to a culture where violence is condoned and often encouraged. Pictured a vintage Henny Youngman joke now hung in the hallway of a popular Las Vegas Hotel to create that subtle wink and nod that being held against one's will is all in good fun.
Do we have a false rape allegation epidemic?
Do we have a false rape epidemic? If you read the Ithaca Journal blogs following my attack you would think false rape reporting was the next H1N1.
False rape reporting stems from the false myths that surround sexual assault like women cry rape to get revenge or attention. Perpetrators quickly align themselves with these myths to shield themselves from culpability to their crimes. With so many perps crying “false rape allegation” you would think we are in the midst of false rape allegation pandemic. Though statistically less than 4% of reported rapes are proven false. That is the same percentage as other crimes. Still that low percentage is little comfort to one if falsely accused. So let’s put on a rape apologist finger for a moment and investigate how one might create a false rape allegation.
Before we begin our false rape scenario we must first acknowledge what sets rape victims apart from other crime victims is that a rape victim is immediately perceived as a potential liar when making a report to authorities. Not only is that “prove it” tone implied with each and every question during their statement but so is the demand to retell the traumatizing events over and over to catch any inconsistencies. Before an arrest is even considered detectives run a gamut of background checks on the victim ensuring the victim doesn't go around making reports like this every day. Victim’s pasts are not only combed over by detectives given the case, but also by the prosecuting team to see any areas that might come out against the victim in trial. Inconsistencies (if any,) are again probed for further clarification. Rape crisis counselors are dispatched to the scene where if a victim is fabricating any story they must definitely show no holes to a trained counselor.
The rape victim’s body becomes a crime scene. Intensive efforts are put forth into examining every scrape, cut and marking both inside and on a victim’s body. Through a collection of fibers, swabs, picks, scraping, scans and photographs every inch of the victim’s body evidence is gathered, and completed in the most intrusive of ways. Anyone that claims a woman makes a false rape claim should first go through SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) themselves before making such a nonsensical statement.
Once the rape allegation is made family and friends will begin to choose sides. Some will choose to blame a victim for what she wore, drank or mixed signals sent to the perpetrator. Others will worry that she has become damaged goods. Many of the victim’s acquaintances and co-workers will be uncomfortable that she made herself a target by not taking “proper precautions” to avoid getting raped. Eventually that uncomfortable gossip will lead to shunning and eventual alienation. Community shunning will occur once the assault reaches the media. Victims must endure community banishment and a constant barrage of victim-blaming statements. Defense lawyers know this, and they rely heavily on the victim-blaming culture to help spin their client’s temporarily soiled name back to dignity. Good lawyers spin a few prevailing myths on rape to their advantage during trial never missing a beat to question the victim on what they were wearing, why the delay in reporting, and if they knew the assailant prior to the attack etc.
A victim knows all this before ever sitting down and giving a statement to police. They know it, and fear it which is why 80%of rape victims never find the strength to report it. If someone is crazy enough to want to put themselves through the experience of creating a false report they must also possess certain talents like being part sociopath and Academy Award Winning Actor to fool not only the police, detective team, District Attorney, Grand Jury, SANE/hospital personnel, rape crisis counselors, therapist, friends and family, co-workers, and community members but she must also fool herself. A victim must keep up the sham with strategically planned outburst performances of PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and RTS (Rape Trauma Syndrome) never letting anyone close to them in on their revenge scheme. They must avoid dating or reclaiming their life in any way as to make themselves still seem damaged. A routine that must be dragged on for months even years as rape trials usually take that long to prosecute.
Now anyone up for this revenge scheme?
Even with my attempt to temporarily cloak myself in a false rape accuser’s dressing I still have trouble with one thing. Wouldn’t it just be easier to get revenge by planting crack rock in his car or sleeping with his best friend? Surely there are simpler ways of revenge ones that don’t whack away at the dignity, livelihood, spirit, relationships a victim has spent a lifetime building. And then I wonder something else if a woman can be so good a liar to seek revenge then why can’t a perpetrator be just as good avoiding justice?
False rape reporting stems from the false myths that surround sexual assault like women cry rape to get revenge or attention. Perpetrators quickly align themselves with these myths to shield themselves from culpability to their crimes. With so many perps crying “false rape allegation” you would think we are in the midst of false rape allegation pandemic. Though statistically less than 4% of reported rapes are proven false. That is the same percentage as other crimes. Still that low percentage is little comfort to one if falsely accused. So let’s put on a rape apologist finger for a moment and investigate how one might create a false rape allegation.
Before we begin our false rape scenario we must first acknowledge what sets rape victims apart from other crime victims is that a rape victim is immediately perceived as a potential liar when making a report to authorities. Not only is that “prove it” tone implied with each and every question during their statement but so is the demand to retell the traumatizing events over and over to catch any inconsistencies. Before an arrest is even considered detectives run a gamut of background checks on the victim ensuring the victim doesn't go around making reports like this every day. Victim’s pasts are not only combed over by detectives given the case, but also by the prosecuting team to see any areas that might come out against the victim in trial. Inconsistencies (if any,) are again probed for further clarification. Rape crisis counselors are dispatched to the scene where if a victim is fabricating any story they must definitely show no holes to a trained counselor.
The rape victim’s body becomes a crime scene. Intensive efforts are put forth into examining every scrape, cut and marking both inside and on a victim’s body. Through a collection of fibers, swabs, picks, scraping, scans and photographs every inch of the victim’s body evidence is gathered, and completed in the most intrusive of ways. Anyone that claims a woman makes a false rape claim should first go through SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) themselves before making such a nonsensical statement.
Once the rape allegation is made family and friends will begin to choose sides. Some will choose to blame a victim for what she wore, drank or mixed signals sent to the perpetrator. Others will worry that she has become damaged goods. Many of the victim’s acquaintances and co-workers will be uncomfortable that she made herself a target by not taking “proper precautions” to avoid getting raped. Eventually that uncomfortable gossip will lead to shunning and eventual alienation. Community shunning will occur once the assault reaches the media. Victims must endure community banishment and a constant barrage of victim-blaming statements. Defense lawyers know this, and they rely heavily on the victim-blaming culture to help spin their client’s temporarily soiled name back to dignity. Good lawyers spin a few prevailing myths on rape to their advantage during trial never missing a beat to question the victim on what they were wearing, why the delay in reporting, and if they knew the assailant prior to the attack etc.
A victim knows all this before ever sitting down and giving a statement to police. They know it, and fear it which is why 80%of rape victims never find the strength to report it. If someone is crazy enough to want to put themselves through the experience of creating a false report they must also possess certain talents like being part sociopath and Academy Award Winning Actor to fool not only the police, detective team, District Attorney, Grand Jury, SANE/hospital personnel, rape crisis counselors, therapist, friends and family, co-workers, and community members but she must also fool herself. A victim must keep up the sham with strategically planned outburst performances of PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and RTS (Rape Trauma Syndrome) never letting anyone close to them in on their revenge scheme. They must avoid dating or reclaiming their life in any way as to make themselves still seem damaged. A routine that must be dragged on for months even years as rape trials usually take that long to prosecute.
Now anyone up for this revenge scheme?
Even with my attempt to temporarily cloak myself in a false rape accuser’s dressing I still have trouble with one thing. Wouldn’t it just be easier to get revenge by planting crack rock in his car or sleeping with his best friend? Surely there are simpler ways of revenge ones that don’t whack away at the dignity, livelihood, spirit, relationships a victim has spent a lifetime building. And then I wonder something else if a woman can be so good a liar to seek revenge then why can’t a perpetrator be just as good avoiding justice?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Level 3 Sex Offender resides across the street from local daycare
Level 3 offenders must register for life and police officials are required to forward that information tolocal organizations “with vulnerable populations,” including schools, senior centers, or women’s groups. A database of Level 3 sex offenders including what they have been convicted of, their addresses and their photos is available online, and searchable by zip code.
Under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act, convicted sex offenders are required to register with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for ten or more years after the offender has committed his/her crime. Local law enforcement is authorized to notify entities with “vulnerable”populations,” that an offender who is deemed to be at risk of repeating an offense has moved into a
nearby area. The Act authorizes those who receive this information to disseminate it further.
Town of Ithaca response:
I am unclear what action you would like me to take. As you noted, the County has a Sex Offender Registry website and mailing notifications are no longer required by law.
Why is our community complacent to sexual violence? Yes. Yes. Agencies will provide for those victimized by violence but that is postvention. How about getting to the situation before it has a chance to escalate to violence? If you think level 3 sex offenders are not a problem in your neighborhood than talk to the Van Dammes or Mark Lunsford who both lost children to a registered sex offender living a few houses away.
Write to Town of Ithaca and city of Ithaca representatives and help keep our kids safe. CHILDREN CAN'T VOTE FOR THEMSELVES.
Please write to and help keep Ithaca Children Safe:
Barbara Lifton
District Office
106 East Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-8030
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=12
Disney's hilarious ride through sex slavery
Disney has unparalleled power to shape young hearts and minds. If the Pirates of the Caribbean ride normalizes sexual slavery with humor, it can desensitize viewers to this heinous and very real gendered crime.
Self care is vital to ending sexual violence
Recently, Sandra Henriquez (a leader with decades of service to the survivor and advocate community) delivered a keynote address at CALCASA’s 2010 National Sexual Assault Conference. She spoke on the importance of self-care for those who have committed careers to ending sexual violence.
Fraternity charges women's dorm with rape chant
Delta Kappa Epsilon Frat pledges chant "No means Yes, Yes means Anal" They also threw in, "My name is Jack, I'm a necrophiliac, I f*ck dead women." People do look up to Greek organizations, so if they set a good example about safer sex, what consent really means, promoting equal rights, etc, others just might follow suit.
Pictures tell a thousand racist words
Ever notice how people with racist attitudes convince themselves that they can’t possibly be racist? Racism does not require you a card carrying member of the KKK or advocate the return of slavery. No, it comes in many shades and some more subtle than others. Some messages are even more frighteningly blatant. Oppression in any form begets violence.
Kuma Charmer's Pole Pride
Perhaps Kuma Charmers can start up an ad campaign entitled “Pole Pride?”
Blown sideways in recovery
If you think I am the worst blogger ever, then you are probably right. I have never blogged in my life. In recent months my therapist recommended that I journal as a means of working out my trauma. I am a rape and domestic violence survivor. I took to the computer since my handwriting resembles something like a madman confined to an isolation chamber. Typing would not just make it more legible but also provide me with a means to search out additional ways of healing. As I gain knowledge on violence I am learning that I am not alone in my journey to reclaim myself. I have read hundreds of blogs from survivors like me all trying to make sense of it all. Sharing their stories appears to help their recovery. So I decided to share in that process. I have decided to post a bunch of journals I have written never meaning to send.
I doubt I will write about anything other than violence prevention and awareness topics but who knows. Many wacky things happen to me some might be entertaining to share. I know I won’t try to get a following because I’m not into being Queen of the Blogshere. I feel that everything worth saying has already been said and presented way cooler than I could do so there’s little that I can add to the mix. I am doing to heal.
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