It's a good thing Brock Turner, the rapist, was released early from prison.
*GASP*
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What? Why? How DARE she --- I know what most of you are thinking as you read the statement above. But, hear me out...
It's not because he's Innocent.
It's not because of good behavior.
It's not because his sentence was too harsh.
It's not because deep down he's sorry for the crime he committed.
It's not because his family, lawyers, etc. have done anything to help denounce rape culture.
NO. It is a good thing the Brock Turner was released because for the first time in so long we ALL have been slapped in the face with a prime example of White Male Privilege. Many of us experience it on a daily basis. Many of us weren't sure what it was until now. But, not only did our jaws drop when we got word of the convicted rapist's release, we were angry-- infuriated-- that this RAPIST spent a mere three months incarcerated for ruining a woman's life.
For the first time, regardless of skin color, gender, political affiliation, we are more united than ever. I scroll through my social media and see nothing but posts on posts using Brock Turner by name, criticizing and shredding him to pieces-- deservingly.
This anger need not be mistaken for bewilderment, or some sort of feminist mania. Rather, this should be seen as the first step in attaining more awareness. Awareness about empathizing with minorities. Awareness about understanding your privilege. Awareness about sexual assault, victim shaming, and Male privilege.
While Brock Turner, convicted rapist, spent three months in jail, an estimated 75,000 women were sexually assaulted. We did not see their names plastered on our TV screens, and many of them did not receive the justice they deserved. But because of the fuel brought forth by Brock Turner's early release, many victims now see a network of support. They see those angered by Brock Turner; Convicted Rapist's privilege as allied with them, as people and organizations who would support them through their strife-- which is how it should be anyways.
It is absolutely disgusting that we can put a man behind bars longer if he mistreats a dog, than if he mistreats a woman.
Not only is the release of Brock Turner, convicted rapist, an eye opener for many who didn't understand how real White Privilege is, but a unifier against those who felt like sexual assault "wasn't their problem." Brock Turner's early release opened the eyes of many because it made people empathize with the victim. We envisioned our sisters, daughters, mothers in place of the victim and we were sickened by the thought that every time they walk the streets at night, or are going to a party, or simply do anything, they are at a risk of being sexually assaulted by sickos like Brock Turner, convicted rapist. It doesn't matter what they're wearing, or what they're drinking. Alcohol doesn't rape. Dresses don't rape. RAPISTS RAPE. And Brock Turner's, well, they get out of Prison early for it. BUT NO MORE.
Brock Turner's release in reality should not have come so soon -- or ever. But because it happened it should not be in vain. We should not accept this as a defeat, but use this disgust, anger, and fervor that we're feeling to spark a change. Spark a revolution. So that when our daughters are growing up, they don't have to walk in pairs at night, or carry around pepper spray to keep themselves protected. They will feel comfortable speaking up if someone harms them, and society will NOT make them feel like their assault is their fault. We can begin this change now, by speaking up when we see wrong happening, by supporting those who have been traumatized by mistreatment. And by changing ourselves, if we all stand united against injustice--- it will eventually cease to happen.
My message is to not start hating white people, rich people, men. No, not at all, our history is speckled with great people from all those categories. What I want to bring attention to is that we should stand up to BAD people, and the system that keeps them safe.
Brock Turner, convicted rapist, you may be free from the prison walls, but you have become a prisoner to society and a prisoner to privilege. From this point on you will be mocked, humiliated, and made a pariah by society. YOU ruined your chance to follow your dreams, as well as your victim's. The intensity of arrogance is equivalent to the disgust people feel towards you. You are the poster child of privilege, for all things parents need to tell their sons not to grow up to be. Your money and swimming skills can not save you from drowning in the regret and humiliation we all hope you feel forever.
Justice For All.
The most important creed out of the fundamental values this great nation was founded on.
ALL.
So let's make that happen, by standing up to the bad, and standing up for the change our world so desperately needs.
