#MeToo

Did you know that every 98 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually harassed or assaulted in some capacity?

Yep, it's going to be that kind of blog today. Feeling uneasy? Did that one fact make you a little uncomfortable? Good. It's time we stop sweeping the ever-present reality of sexual harassment, abuse and violence under the rug. It's time to speak up. It's time to open our eyes!

Did you know 99% of aggressors will walk our streets freely?

Did you know that 1 in 4 women is assaulted or raped by the time she graduates college?

Did you know that there are multiple beautiful, strong, smart, resilient women in my life who have survived a variety of abuse and harassment?

Did you know that I have been felt up, screamed at, sexted without solicitation, stared down and followed by strangers, by "friends", by coworkers? (Furthermore, this is nothing in comparison to the things other people have gone through... these things that have happened to me are "normal". And that's the problem!)

Do you care?

Did you realize the magnitude of sexual violence in our country?

Did you care about it before #MeToo came about?

If you are reading this and you're squirming in your chair, uncomfortable and wondering if your actions have contributed to the problem, welcome to reality. Reality is, if you are questioning your actions, you probably are a part of the problem.

If you have tried to minimize the experiences of women brave enough to speak their truths, you are a part of the problem.

If you've tried to explain these situations away, made excuses for aggressors or shamed a survivor, you are a part of the problem.

If you are not actively trying to stop the negative behaviors you've witnessed, you are a part of the problem.

If you look at #MeToo and see another "Feminist agenda causing another fuss and making unnecessary noise" you an extremely naive part of the problem. 

Are you shocked by the number of people you see on your timeline who have experienced this unfortunate "side effect" of being a living, breathing female?

Friends, my greatest fear, as a woman, should not be the very ones that society would portray to be my "protector".

These are the facts. This is the every second of everyday reality of every single woman. Your sisters, wives, friends, mothers, doctors, waitresses, teachers, entertainers, drivers, CEO's. This is our reality. This is THE reality.

This is America.

What will you do to help change it?