Emily Carter: A Woman’s Viewpoint
“Look at this beautiful girl. I can’t wait to see what she’s like when she grows up.” She was just 10.
“Do you think she’ll still be this adorable when she’s of age?” She was only 8.
The boy behind her unhooked her training bra while in class. The teacher was aware but chose to ignore it. She was 12.
Every girl transforms into a woman. Each woman was once a girl who felt the sting of objectification, treated as an item for consumption, sexualized before they even grasped the concept. Every woman learns to survey their surroundings, choose clothing based on what makes them feel “safe,” and navigate confrontations with men who believe they have the right to control their bodies and personal space.
I am a woman. A living, thinking, powerful individual who has often been made to feel powerless by men who attempt to assert their dominance over me. I am frustrated. I am enraged.
I am also an artist. In August 2017, I recognized that sulking in my anger wouldn’t drive change. Instead, I could harness my creativity to spark a deeper dialogue.
This film comprises a series of vignettes that reenact real-life instances of harassment and assault that I or women I know have endured. It certainly doesn’t capture every instance—there’s not enough time on camera for that! But I hope it serves as a starting point.
We are women. We are mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, lovers, friends, partners, and creators.
We are human beings. We have autonomy over our own bodies.
It’s crucial that we work towards a better world, beginning with helping the men in our lives understand our struggles as we strive to uplift, empower, and vocalize the experiences of women around us.
David Miller: A Man’s Perspective
In 1999, I experienced a life-altering car accident. A driver ran a stop sign, demolishing my vintage car. The police arrived, tending to any injuries, gathering accounts, and checking licenses. In that moment, I discovered that my license had been suspended due to an unpaid ticket.
As a first-time misdemeanor, the officers could have issued me a $75 fine and a court summons. Instead, I was sentenced to five days at Rikers Island.
Rikers Island houses ten different jails. The actual barred cells are reserved for violent offenders; most accommodations are dormitory-style: 100 cramped cots within a single high-pressure room.
I was placed in a dormitory-style facility. Shortly after lights out on my first night, I heard unmistakable sounds of sexual activity. Suddenly, I was hit with a terrifying realization:
This isn’t consensual.
Newcomers are often targets.
If I were attacked, I could defend myself, but any altercation would extend my sentence.
With these circumstances, I had no way to protect myself from becoming a victim of sexual assault and would have to endure this fear throughout my incarceration, all while trying not to exhibit any signs of fear—a scent that abusers find irresistible.
MEN: This is the reality for women, every single day.
To constantly live in fear for your safety.
To wonder if strangers harbor violent intentions.
To realize that defending oneself might lead to worse outcomes.
To question whether people you know could commit acts of sexual violence.
To face threats of rape or death online for speaking out.
Men, you will never fully comprehend the daily fear women face. The pressing question is: WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP PUT AN END TO IT?
Start by watching this short film. Empathy has the power to change the world.
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Summary:
This piece delves into the experiences of women in our society, highlighting the challenges they face from a young age. It features perspectives from both a woman and a man, illustrating the contrasting realities of gender-based fear and empowerment. The article calls for men to understand and actively participate in combating these issues.