Too many people in this world do not understand the word "no." We feel like we are entitled to certain things in our everyday lives, and when we get told no, we often throw a temper tantrum like a two-year-old.
When I was in high school, I often heard "No, you can't stay at your friend's house. It's a school night." My response was often "But their parents let them do it." This statement was always followed by, "Well, they aren't my daughter, are they?"
I can remember getting so mad. Like my parents wanted to suck the fun out of everything and keep me prisoner in my own house. Why did they tell me no? I'm a good kid, I get all my stuff done, and I never get in trouble. Why did they tell me no? Don't they want me to have a life and friends?
If I could go back and slap my former 16-year-old self, I would. My parents told me no for very valid reasons. There is no reason for any kid in high school to be staying at their friend's house on a school night other than maybe a major project. My parents were looking out for me, and doing what they were supposed to do: being my parent.
In the times we are in now, technical devices have began to take over our lives. Parents are beginning to use phones as a parenting technique. Although there are many educational programs on TV, and educational games that you can use on the computer, there is a problem with this. If a toddler comes up to me, wanting my phone because they think it's their parents phone and I tell them, "no, you can't have it," and they throw a fit, that's a problem. Stop saying yes to avoid a temper tantrum. When that child is in high school, those temper tantrums will still be there, but in a much more severe way if they never hear the word no.
I'm sure that we have all heard about rapist Brock Turner. It has come to my attention that some say his sentence was just, and that he really isn't considered a rapist. I'll let that sink in for a moment.
Regardless of the "technicalities," it's his word against hers, but for the sake of things, I consider his name to be Rapist Brock Turner. I read in her letter that at first he "didn't know" basically anything about that night. All of the sudden, that story changed to "she said yes, not once but three times." Although I (and everyone else in the world) see that as shady, there is something to be said.
There are so many people out there who say "no" repeatedly and someone who is just like Rapist Brock Turner can't understand that word and they do what they want anyway. I'm not saying this is always the parent's fault. There comes a point and time that parents can no longer take responsibility for their children's actions. In his case, I blame his parents for a lot if it. "20 minutes of action does not justify years in prison." You sir are just as guilty as your son, because if you see rape and sexual assault as the same thing as "action," then you are a seriously demented individual.
There are so many people getting drugged at parties and being raped because people just don't understand what the two letter word 'no' means.
So let me explain it to you:
No means you can't touch me.
No means you can't have my phone.
No means you can't take off my shirt.
No means I don't want you to buy me a drink.
No means I don't want to go back to your room.
No means you can't go to your friends house on a school night.
No will never mean maybe.
No will never mean keep going.
No will never mean yes.
Over all, no means no.
Always remember that your actions do have consequences.
As far as Rapist Brock Turner's case, it's not enough, but the only good thing coming from it are the voices. Just know that there are many standing up for what is right. Rapist Brock Turner has started something that cannot be taken back, or simply be swept under the rug. People all around America are going to start speaking out, so be ready for that. Whether it is in an Odyssey article, or getting a petition to remove the judge who gave him the sentence, something big is coming.
To the "woman behind the dumpster:" you are not just a woman behind the dumpster. I am so sorry that happened to you, and I know that although my condolences are kind, it doesn't fix anything. Just know you are much bigger than that.
Remember parents, children, and everyone: no means no, whether is it reaching for a phone, going to stay the night at a friends house during a school night, or when it comes down to sexual actions.
No will always mean no.
