20 Things "No" Doesn't Mean | The Odyssey Online
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Politics and Activism

20 Things "No" Doesn't Mean

One word, too many misinterpretations...

Tatum Oxford
Feb 28, 2017
Grand Rapids, MI
52
20 Things "No" Doesn't Mean
victim blaming

I speak three languages: English, decent Spanish, and a foreign language to sexual assailants- No.

Who knew one word could have such various definitions, creating a language of its own that's left up for interpretation?

BREAKING NEWS: "No" means nothing more than NO.

"No" doesn't mean:

1. Yes

2. Coerce me

3. Force me

4. Get mad at me

5. Convince me

6. Touch me

7. Undress me

8. I'm playing hard to get

9. Try me

10. Arouse me

11. Beg me

12. Trap me

13. Expose me

14. Make me feel obligated

15. Shower me in bullshit compliments

16. Stare at me with eyes full of expectation, and wait for me to speak/move due to discomfort

17. Weaken me

18. Wait for me to get more tired

19. Maybe

20. Yes (Indeed, I felt the need to add this again, because some people need more clarification apparently)

"No" DOES NOT MEAN MAYBE. "Maybe" DOES NOT MEAN YES. "Yes" DOES NOT MEAN I CANNOT CHANGE MY MIND LATER ON.

Rape culture may be modernizing and lines may appear more blurred than ever, but "no" always has, and always will mean NO.

You are always allowed to say "no". Never feel obligated to even mutter a "maybe".

No matter if you are dating, engaged, married, a stripper, or labeled a "slut", your "no" needs to be recognized. Nothing can give consent other than yourself, by saying "Yes". Your clothes, make-up, promiscuity, relationship, nor anything else can give consent for you.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault or need someone to talk to, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

You are not in this alone.

"No" is supposed to be enough. Don't blame yourself, there is enough victim blaming going on this world already.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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