In light of recent events, rape cases on college campuses have entered front and center into social issues we face in America. The main reason for this; the unfortunate event that happened on Stanford University campus. In case you've been living under a rock, I'm talking about the rape of an unconscious women by a man who after taking it to court, was found guilty of three felony counts but then only charged with six months in a county jail, probation, and having to register as sex offender for the rest of his life. This has definitely caused an uproar all across the United States, and honestly it's understandable. So I've decided to give my two cents and explicate my feelings and thoughts of all those affected by these circumstances.
To those that have stood behind the anonymous victim and the unjust of this case: you are the reason the world becomes a better place. To stand so solidly behind someone you do not know because you empathize and understand the pain they are facing, even if you have never experienced being victimized like that, is a huge gift and illustration of the good that people are bestowed with. You have shown this girl, and all others who have gone through this, that they matter and that what was done to them is an unspeakable act. It warms my heart to know that these victims are heard, and I imagine that to these victims it means a lot to them. It's also amazing to see all the support that is given by those in higher power such as Joe Biden. To know that this case has reached such high, and low, places and is supported everywhere is huge. So thank you for your selflessness.
To the father of the Brock Turner: unlike all those I talk about in my last paragraph, you are what is wrong with the United States. I understand that you love your son and it is hard to believe that someone who you've raised could do something so horrendous, but that gives you no right to ever dehumanize someone to the point that you call them "20 minutes of action." Your son raped someone. He didn't drink to much, he didn't lose control at a party; he raped someone. Your son is a rapist, whether it was his first time forcing himself upon someone or his tenth time; he took away someone's right to choose. He devalued someone's life, and you, instead of talking about how terrible this is, you decided to talk about your son's inability to eat steak. No one ever had to say that you have to hate your son, but to simply ignore what he did, to chalk up his crime to drinking to much, to simply decrease the severity of what happened, is in itself a crime.
To Brock Turner, himself: You may never see my post, and that is okay, but you will forever live with the words that your victim was brave enough to face you and say, and I hope they haunt you. You, Brock Turner, are the exact reason that women do not feel safe walking across campus at night. You are the reason that women are told to never accept a drink from anyone. You are the reason that a women's life has forever been changed. To commit a crime so heinous is sad, but to deny that you ever did such a thing is just plain wrong. Your crime is not over drinking, something that happens quite often on a college campus without rape following it. No, your crime is rape. You singlehandedly decided that a women's consent didn't matter, and you are very fortunate that you aren't going to jail for longer. However, you deserve no more words or attention. You are not the victim in this case and you don't deserve anyone's time.
Lastly, to the victim: you are so incredibly strong. To go through what you have and come out with such dignity and grace, just know that I look up to you whoever you are. You didn't deserve what happened to you. You don't deserve the aftermath that comes along with it. You and your sister should never feel any guilt for this crime. I hope you know that you have support, you have people who don't even know you standing behind you. You are a beautiful soul and your words have not only touched my soul, but also my passion to create a safer community for everyone. To have the strength to face your assailant and speak the words that have sat so heavily on your heart is inspiring. I may never meet you, and you may never read this, but if you do, know that I carry your story in my heart every day. You are the definition of inspiration, strength, and most importantly the proof that anyone can live through something so horrific and move on.
Sexual Assault in the United States is literally unbelievable. One in six women and one in 33 men have been victims of attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime, and that is just one's that are reported. This is a staggering number, one that requires and needs more attention, and the majority of these crimes are committed on college campuses. Rape is rape and it needs to be stopped. It's time to come together as a nation and make actions to make a safer community for all.
