Being a writer of horrors, I make jokes and have alot of fun on this blog. At times, we all must recognize that there are real horrors going on all around us and it is up to us to bring about change. This is not just for my sisters of color, but for all women---and men. I found this e-mail (post) on my friend, Gwyneth's ( http://gwynethbolton.blogspot.com/)blog:
Hello Sisters,
Recent events in the United States have moved us to action. Violence against women is sadly, not a new phenomenon in our country or in the world, however, in the last year women of color have experienced brutal forms of violence, torture, rape and injustice which have gone unnoticed, received little to no media coverage, or a limited community response. We are responding to:
The brutal and inhumane rape, torture, and kidnapping of Megan Williams in Logan , West Virginia who was held by six assailants for a month.
Rape survivors in the Dunbar Housing Projects in West Palm Beach , Florida one of whom was forced to perform sexual acts on her own child.
A 13 year old native American girl was beaten by two white women and has since been harassed by several men yelling “white power” outside of her home.
Seven black lesbian girls attempted to stop an attacker and were later charged with aggravated assault and are facing up to 11 year prison sentences.
In a Litany of Survival, Audre Lorde writes, “When we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak remembering we were never meant to survive.”
These words shape our collective organizing to break the silence surrounding women of color’s stories of violence. We are asking for community groups, grass-root organizations, college campus students and groups, communities of faith, online communities, and individuals to join us in speaking out against violence against women of color. If we speak, we cannot be invisible.Join us and stand up to violence against women by wearing Red on October 31, 2007.
I have attached two important documents detailing the "Be Red Be Bold Wear Red on October 31st Campaign."
Please send questions to beboldbered@gmail.com.
For updated information, please visit our website http://documentthesilence.wordpress.com/ on Wearing Red on October 31, 2007.
7 comments:
Thanks for helping to spread the word, Tyhitia. You're right there are real horrors out there that we need to be aware of and working to end.
much love and peace,
Gwyneth
There are all too many horrors in the world today. Domestic violence is a big one.
I feel for any woman (woman of color, white, asian, etc.) who has had to endure this sort of thing, but it just amazes me that minority women aren't given as much attention when it happens to them.
I just don't get it.
Gwyneth,
You're more than welcome. It was my pleasure to help spread the word.
David,
Remember what I said over on your blog about equality. Just because you don't hate people just because they don't look like you, doesn't mean that there aren't countless racists in this country. They're everywhere, unfortunately. others By the way, Asian women are women of color too! Women of color refers to all non-white women, i.e. African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian, etc. Inequality does not surprise me in the least; being a woman AND a person of color, I have experienced things that other folks cannot relate to because these things don't happen to them. This is why I am so adamant about change. It's going to take a long time to rectify injustice in this country---and the world, but I will do everything I can to do my part to bring about said change...
Thank you for sharing this. I shall post a link and wear red on 10/31.
Tyhitia,
I think you misunderstood me, but correct me if I am wrong.
I DO know there are racists out there (I live in the south, fer cryin' out loud). What I meant when I said "I just don't get it" is I don't get WHY there are racists out there. First and formost, we are all just people.
My personal opinion is that American society is far too fragmented for its own good. As far as I am concerned, there is only one race of people on the planet; the human race.
Not everyone agrees, but that's ok. Opinions differ in this country and that is the right of the people in it (even when they disagree with me). I'm rather proud to be a part of the human race, myself. :)
Thank you so much, Written! :*)
David,
My bad. Some people have told me that they don't believe that racism still exists, believe it or not.
I live in the south too---further down than you (S.C.) and racism is worldwide, people usually blame the south in this country, but it's everywhere. I've experienced it everywhere...
Anyway, I completely agree that we are all from the same race---human. I put that on a application once---lol. Even if we were all the same color, we'd fine a way to segment that by eye color, hair color, big noses vs. little noses, anything stupid thing to separate us. There are always going to be stupid people who have no justification for their stupidity or hate. Everyone cannot be as smart as you and I, David! :*)
Anyone who thinks racism is dead hasn't been watching the news lately. There are examples of racism plastered all over the media every day. For some people, ignorance is bliss, I guess.
"...racism is worldwide, people usually blame the south in this country, but it's everywhere. I've experienced it everywhere..."
That's the truth of things, T. Lots of Americans concentrate on the US, and that's ok, because they live here, so they are more concerned with how they are treated here. BUT it's a global issue, and I think the US Only view is a bit narrow.
Look at northern Ireland. Everyone there looks like everyone else. Do they have peace? Hardly.
You are right. People will always find a reason to hate other people.
But not me. And not you. :)
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