Moving Speech...

That made me tear up - heartbreaking but also so very empowering, thank you for sharing it @Zoe7 🙂

@Zoe7 - thank you for sharing this incredible speech it certianly hit the spot for me and for many women who have come out as #MeToo . Most importantly I love it that it is not just Hollywood women (and they have more than their fair share of power over dynamics by men int he industry, but that Oprah acknowledged hospitality workers, and factory workers,a nd farm labourers. Pick a job and there will be power over dynamics happenening. I am still reeling from every new announcement about it. (and at times triggered by the details) I really am unhappy about 'trial by media' though and think these things should be handled in a way that ensures that the perpetrator has his day in court and that justice is served and is SEEN to have been served. BUT - I am in awe of the courage and strength of the women coming forward and like Oprah can see a new day will dawn, and it is being LED by women. Thank you for sharing this, a kindred spirit moment. As it is an important moment in black women's history (Oprah being awarded the Honour) and all women's history.

100% agree with you @MoonGal on the 'trial by media' - neither perpetrator nor victim can be treated fairly with the media intrusion - and I say both as victims are still being publicly vilified and - although I hate to think this - some women are still falsely accusing others for their own misguided and sick benefit (usually monetary!). This makes it so much harder for the 'real' victims to not only be believed but to get justice

I also agree that Oprah did not exclude anyone in highlighting that the 'power' mentality crosses all spheres- including gender, race, occupations and virtually all parts of society.

I am also in awe of these women coming forward and hopefully forging a new path for the generations to come to say - 'it is not okay and I can do something to stop it' - to be able to speak up and speak out and hold those that feel they can abuse, manipulate or control others to account. It does feel (in a very small way) that 'a new day is dawning' - and I would like to say that I can follow the example presently being set by so many - but I do not have the courage to do so - but I applaud those that do and stand silently with them!

So true @Zoe7 we are in accord. I also saw the beginnings of people trashing Oprah for her talk because hse has associated with some of these big names in the past, that is unfair, we are all socialised in patriarchy and everyone of us have been agents of that at times in our lives until we know better.

As to those people who are finacially or politically or 'revenge' motivated - that is their shame - and every victim has a right to speak if they choose to but have to be prepared to be called just that "money grubbers, or whatever - it is double victimisation. In a perfect world - when that new day dawns - I hope people will be HONEST about their own participation in causing the "she made it up" narrative to continue - but they to are broken spirits in a way.

Thanks for the great connect today.

ditto, ditto and ditto @MoonGal - didn't actually expect any responses here - just sharing - but have 'enjoyed' our connection here also - a bright spot in my day in-fact - so thankyou

Thanks for sharing this @Zoe7

When I was sexually harrassed by an alcoholic male at my church I did tell the minister and when the offender touched me inappropriately during a church service I shouted at him

Actually I know things have changed a lot in the last 20 years - but then the minister was not equipped to deal with it and I went to the police and the diocese and I was told both times it was to be dealt with in the parish concerned - and I do not blame the minister at all

The congregation - some people - yes - I was told to keep it to myself - did I have to make such an issue of it? - Couldn't I just shut up? And they couldn't make the offender stay away from church but in time ...

I left the church and I didn't really know the reason until the Royal Commission - and now I guess I have a story to tell myself but I am asking myself where and really - is it worth it seeing as the man involved died a long time ago?

It was the establishment that was at fault an that has been corrected the best way it can I guesss - but ah - I don't know what to do about going back to church - and I would go back to that particular church.

It's something I intend to bring up with the new therapist I am seeing today - and my mind has been rattling a bit about what to talk about when I see her - too much going on in my head - not anxious at all - it's just wanting to get the best out of my time with her

But thanks again Zoe - it's the church thing I think - and my family - and I know that it's most likely the most important thing in my head right now

Dec

@Owlunar - I am so sorry that happened to you and that you got no support. I think finally things are changing - the pace of change is slow, but there is change.

Thanks for your thoughtful replie @MoonGal

Yes - things in the church are changing - I know this but it takes time for wounds to heal also

I saw my new therapist yesterday - on Tuesday I was not sure what I was going to talk about and made a list but I didn't need it - I really unloaded with the psychologist - and I was surprised at how much emotion was down there about that and other issues in my family -

My Medicare form notes Family Issues as my reason to seeking therapy - and do I have a lot of stuff in my family - and there is no support there either - except for my elderly rellies who I want to see right now but unfortunately there is a long story there too -

My reason for not going to church is that some members of the congregation was either into brushing me off or telling me that I should not have shouted during a church service and that the man who was harrassing me could not be kept away from the church - but I do remember saying at the time that I could stay away - all these years and I had forgotten that

Thanks again MoonGal - life is not a smooth run nor an easy journey but it is the only life we have💖

Dec