Mixed Feelings

I've heavily spoken against sexual misconduct and misogyny.  That's why I put together this blog page.  However, there is an aspect in the argument that I have mixed feelings about.

My perspective has been deeply rooted in forgiveness and redemption, as well as non-violence.  I've seen a few things making light in rape survivors murdering their abusers.  There was one that I saw about a survivor who set her rapist on fire.  A lot of comments in response twisted the victim blaming logic that people use when someone is raped.  I agree with the twisting of the logic, but no matter what the person did, I'm discomforted in poking light in that person's death.  Killing is also not something that I see as okay, no matter the reason.  I stand heavily against the death penalty.

When Osama bin Laden died, I posted a combination of quotes.  The first part was from a woman named Jessica Dovey:

I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.

She followed that with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.:

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

Something else that has been discomforting for me has been seeing stories about violent responses to sexual assault.  On one hand, I can understand that it is self-defense.  In some cases, I sometimes think a better way to react would be to turn around and call them out.

Having said that, however, I also am aware that I come from a place of male privilege.  I don't experience being regularly catcalled or groped, and I have not been forced into sex.  I don't live in the same fear that women live in.  On one hand, I don't condone certain responses, but on the other hand, I also am not sure if it's my place to say how to respond effectively.