There never seems to be an end to the glorification and celebration of our victims. There are support groups and movements, allies and funds for those who identify as victims. Victims are called "brave" and "strong."
They are buoyed by social justice advocates; held up as examples of the horrors that marginalized populations face.
I posted this on my Facebook page on November 28th.
"About a month ago, I got an email from a reporter at HJ News. He asked if he could interview me about my books. I was super excited, went to the HJ News office, got my photo taken and did an interview for about an hour and a half.
The reporter said my story would be published within the next couple of days.
Then I got this email:
"I asked you yesterday how you respond to people who criticize your books and stance on MeToo. But let me amend that question slightly - did you expect heavy criticism from people before you published these books and if so, did that discourage you or encourage you to publish?
I asked you about your background and so forth and I see your CV is online. Can you maybe put a fine point on it about why you are qualified to write about these issues examined in your books?"
I sent my responses.
A couple days later, I got another email from the reporter:
"In one of the books, you say you did not have a publisher - true? If so, how did you publish these books? How many copies are available? I saw some formatting and odd sentence structures in one of the books. Did you have an editor?"
I pointed out that I mentioned in all my books that they were not professionally edited because I wanted to get the books published quickly since the topic was so timely.
Another couple of days later, and I got this message:
"Erin, I am continuing to write the story on your books -- which is currently slated to run next week -- and I am reviewing very carefully portions of them to include in the story.
I want to make sure I understand one thing: In your opinion, does a woman being a "victim" of sexual harassment/assault/rape give her less power or more? I seem to remember our interview you said a woman has power over a man in making accusations against him, but the NotMe book says people who have co-opted the movement take away a woman's power making them think they are the victims."
Another few days later, another email:
"Erin, we are having trouble finding all the comments people made about your books. We've checked numerous sites and we only see about 6 comments, mostly positive. Your press release seems to suggest many comments. Can you point me in the right direction?"
Again, I sent him the information he requested.
You guessed it, another couple of days went by and I got this email:
"Also, ... I spoke with someone who said she considers you part of the MeToo movement, even if your views don't exactly align with hers. How do you react to that and do you consider yourself part of the movement (I notice on several of your books, you seem to indicate 'no,' but just want to make sure)."
By this time, I was beginning to doubt if there was ever going to be a story...
Finally, this Monday, I emailed the reporter to ask about the story. Here is the reply:
"We have decided not to run the story. I wrestled with the draft personally and then I spoke to my editors, who said this was too big of a topic to take on. This is extraordinarily rare; most of the interviews and stories we pursue go to print. Unfortunately, this one did not come to full fruition. "
I admit I was excited about getting some publicity for my books. I am disappointed that they decided not to run the story, especially given how much time I put in to the interview and follow-up questions. But what puzzles me is that the editors of the HJ News said it was "too big of a topic to take on."
I am not sure how to interpret this. Is it me, or the topic that is too big?Thoughts?"
Many of those responding to my post suggested that the newspaper shied away from controversial stories, preferring to focus on "feel good" local stories. This made sense at the time...
But this morning, the same newspaper announced the annual "resident of the year."
"Because of the courage sexual assault and harassment survivors at Utah State have shown, The Herald Journal is recognizing them as the 2018 Residents of the Year."
I was genuinely curious about why HJNews contacted me for a story and then decided not to run it. I spent a great deal of time first getting my photo taken, then with the reporter both during the initial interview and then fielding follow-up questions, and I provided the reporter with free copies of my books. Of course it is fine that they chose not to run the story, but seeing this on the front page this morning leads me to believe that their decision not to run the story was based less on the size of the story, and more on their own political leanings.
Though I believe it is important to have support systems in place for victims of harassment and assault, we are at a point where those claiming to be "victims," and "survivors" are lauded, whereas those who suggest that there are things people can do to prevent or lessen the chance of being victims are vilified as "victim blamers."
Life is filled with difficulties, and being the victim of a crime is an ordeal. I have great compassion for those who suffer any kind of harassment or assault, but I have become increasingly concerned that stories of self-identified victims continue to dominate the social narrative.
Victim rights advocates tell us that women are more likely than not to be sexually assaulted. They tell us we can not question women's credibility. They tell us that women are fragile and helpless, while at the same time demanding to be treated as equals. They tell us that men are sexual predators who need to be taught not to assault women.
Victim rights advocates attack anyone who suggests that the story of the victimization is an unhealthy story that contributes to victimization rather than empowerment.
https://www.hjnews.com/news/local/courage-to-stand-usu-sexual-assault-harassment-survivors-named-herald/article_46c150df-4d5e-5c6e-b970-7a2d64f83450.html
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