Upon arriving at the studio—albeit a bit late—I shared a troubling experience with my colleagues, only to be met with skepticism. “Are you sure?” and “Maybe it was just a misunderstanding?” were the responses that echoed in the room. It felt like they didn’t truly believe me or perhaps they simply didn’t want to. After detailing my ordeal on my show’s social media page, I found support among followers, but also encountered disbelief similar to that of my coworkers.
Every day, women and people of color face dismissal of their experiences. We often hear comments like, “You’re just exaggerating,” “Why are you so sensitive?” or “That’s not a big deal.” The common thread in these dismissive reactions can be disheartening.
Recently, I was inspired by a talk from a media figure I greatly admire, Laura Thompson, the founder of Empower Voices. She emphasized a simple yet transformative idea: “One of the most radical acts is to genuinely believe women when they share their experiences.” Just imagine how powerful it would be to accept someone’s account without skepticism.
I once dated someone who casually dismissed a well-known harassment case, claiming women often fabricate such stories. While my own experiences of being pulled over—without incident—don’t compare to assault cases, they still share a disturbing similarity: the tendency to be dismissed and disbelieved.
It’s invigorating to witness women and minorities harnessing their collective voice to instigate change. To anyone hesitant about joining the conversation, remember that you possess a significant power: the ability to believe others. It truly makes a difference.
Reflecting on my commute through Washington Heights—a predominantly Dominican neighborhood to a suburb where minorities are scarce—I remember one particular morning in 2008. As I exited the Palisades, I saw three vehicles halted. To my right was a van driven by a Latino man, with a police car stationed in front; to my left, a sedan with another Latino male at the wheel. After yielding to a car driven by a white man, the officer waved me over.
“Where are you from?” he demanded, leaning toward my open window.
I replied, “Uh, from Manhattan,” maintaining a steady grip on the steering wheel. My polished newscaster tone seemed to catch him off guard. “Actually, I host a show on CNBC. May I show you my ID?”
He nodded, and I slowly retrieved my company ID. Without an apology or explanation, he handed it back and waved me on. I drove away trembling and furious. I felt caught up in an unjust sweep. Was it legal? I wasn’t sure. Did I worry about those I left behind? Absolutely. Did it sting more knowing my colleagues might not believe me? Without a doubt.
This is a reminder of the importance of listening and believing one another, especially when the stakes are high. For those navigating the complexities of parenthood and relationships, resources like this blog post and Make a Mom’s guide can help you along your journey. For more information on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from WHO.
Summary
In a world where women’s experiences are too often dismissed, it’s crucial to embrace a culture of belief and support. By genuinely listening to one another, we can foster understanding and pave the way for change. Remember, your belief holds power.