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Alyssa Milano's shift in rhetoric around sexual violence once Biden was on the chopping block reminds me so much of the feminists who turned on me and called me a liar when I outed my abuser.
It's not that I would force her to believe Tara or anything. It's just that it's clearly about protecting Biden now. She shifted from neoliberal feminist language to rape apologist talking points.
And that's what disappointing. I've been doing antirape work long before #Metoo 
. I will do it long after #Metoo .
It sucks people who don't truly understand or care about the issue took up so much space. And now her backtracking over a powerful white man hurts victims.
. I will do it long after #Metoo .It sucks people who don't truly understand or care about the issue took up so much space. And now her backtracking over a powerful white man hurts victims.
I'm pissed her selfishness and recklessness on such a large platform will hurt victims. She is reinforcing rape culture.
The problem with antirape work is that a lot of women, especially white women, enter the space because of their own experience, take up space, refuse to learn more about sexual violence. Then they dip when they realize it's harder and less glamorous than they think.
Most antirape activists don't get attention, tons of support. We are usually hated, ignored, pushed to the side.
Alyssa had the opportunity to do the right thing and set a GOOD example of what to do in these circumstances. But she just covered her own ass instead.
Alyssa had the opportunity to do the right thing and set a GOOD example of what to do in these circumstances. But she just covered her own ass instead.
Antirape work is hard. But I can't imagine throwing away my feminist values around ending rape culture to be thrown away for a man running for POTUS.
Elections come and go. Rape culture is the constant. She upheld rape culture for an American election.
Elections come and go. Rape culture is the constant. She upheld rape culture for an American election.
It makes me really, really sad.
Disclosure: I've met Biden. I worked with his office & others in the Obama administration to improve Title IX responses. He was invaluable in helping my fellow activists & I heard.
I can recognize that & still not attack Tara or use rhetoric used to dismiss literally ALL VICTIMS
I can recognize that & still not attack Tara or use rhetoric used to dismiss literally ALL VICTIMS
And before people think I'm nitpicking: my use of rhetoric around sexual violence has been studied.
I believe rhetoric is a power tool in eradicating (or reinforcing) rape culture. https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/140/
I believe rhetoric is a power tool in eradicating (or reinforcing) rape culture. https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/140/
I rarely will tell people what to feel or who to believe. I know I can't control that.
But I'll point out what your actions and words mean and whether they undermine or uphold a culture that makes sexual violence possible.
But I'll point out what your actions and words mean and whether they undermine or uphold a culture that makes sexual violence possible.
