A Woman’s Perspective
“Look at this adorable little girl. I can’t wait to see how she blossoms as she grows.”
She was just 10.
“Will she still be this cute when she’s of age?”
She was 8.
The boy seated behind her unclipped her training bra during class. The teacher was aware but chose to remain silent.
She was only 12.
Every woman you know transitions from girlhood to womanhood, having faced the unsettling experience of being objectified—viewed as mere objects of desire before even comprehending what that meant. Each woman has learned to navigate her environment carefully, selecting attire that ensures her safety and diffusing potential conflicts with men who often feel entitled to invade her physical space.
I am a woman—a sentient, powerful being who has frequently felt powerless due to men asserting their dominance over me. This reality is disheartening and infuriating.
As an artist, I realized in August 2017 that simply harboring my frustration would not instigate change. However, I could leverage my creativity to spark a larger conversation.
This film comprises a collection of vignettes depicting real instances of harassment and assault that I or women I know have endured. While it cannot encapsulate every experience, I hope it serves as a catalyst for change.
We are women. We are mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, lovers, friends, partners, and creators.
We are human beings with autonomy over our own bodies.
It is time to transform our society for the better. This begins with educating the men around us as we strive to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of women.
A Man’s Perspective
In 1999, I found myself in a devastating car accident when a driver ran a stop sign, resulting in the destruction of my classic car. The police arrived, ensured everyone’s safety, and documented the incident. In that moment, I discovered my driver’s license was suspended due to an unpaid ticket.
Though the officers could have issued a minor penalty, I was sentenced to five days at Rikers Island.
Rikers Island houses numerous separate facilities. Most inmates live in dormitory-style arrangements, where I was assigned a cot in a large room filled with others. Shortly after lights out, I heard unmistakable sounds of intimacy. Suddenly, dread washed over me:
This is likely non-consensual.
New arrivals are often targeted.
If attacked, I could defend myself, but…
Any confrontation would extend my sentence.
Given these circumstances, I felt powerless against the looming threat of sexual assault, forced to endure my fear throughout my stay, careful not to project vulnerability, which could attract abusers.
MEN: This is what it is like to be a woman, every single day.
To constantly fear for your safety.
To wonder if strangers harbor violent intentions.
To recognize that defending yourself may lead to worse outcomes.
To question whether those you think you know could commit acts of sexual violence.
To face online threats of rape and violence for voicing your opinions.
Men, you will never fully grasp the daily reality of this fear. The pressing question remains: WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP END IT?
Start by viewing this short film. Empathy is essential for change.
This article was originally published on February 4, 2018. For more insights into home insemination, check out our related post.
Summary
This piece explores the realities of womanhood, highlighting experiences of objectification and fear that women face daily. It contrasts personal narratives of harassment with a man’s perspective on vulnerability and the societal responsibilities of men in fostering change. The call to action emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing these issues.