Silence, part 2

Not only whales. Also on land. Not only by sea.

Also silenced were/are some land-dwelling lambs. They’re the underage girls who were seduced, abused and threatened by Epstein/Maxwell and friends. Yes, they’re adult women now. And some of them are breaking their silence.

The words are terribly hard to hear. My temptation was to turn off the TV. But that would only only compound their abuse with complicity.

Keep in mind that these women are speaking out on behalf of their own lives. But their courage in speaking truth to power may benefit more young people today. While the Epstein/Maxwell abuse is now part of the public discourse, much abuse is still hidden.

Maybe the current “Not on my watch!” will be catalysts for those whose lives are still being twisted out of shape by behavior of sick people trusted with their care. And the threats they are told in order to keep them silent. Catalysts for the courage to speak up, if they can. And courage to continue to survive, whether they can speak up or not.

“Me, too” was a shout from a dark cultural closet. It was truth then, for those of us who added our stories. And truth for many who didn’t. Or couldn’t. Or can’t.

If you are among the multitude of women, girls, boys, men who have no similar experiences, either as victims or perpetrators, I celebrate your freedom.

I also ask you to celebrate the good men and women who raised you. I ask you to celebrate the good men and women you may have become yourselves. And do what you can to support those who are starting to whisper what they were told to bury, including themselves. Those who are starting to learn to celebrate themselves, and starting to learn to celebrate, themselves.