Your Voice Does Matter

I've been writing and rewriting this post for several weeks now. With all the allegations and admitted sexual harassment, several things have come to mind. Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely. Unfortunately, power carries a lot of weight, especially in certain industries. Hollywood is one of them. Sadly, it's an industry where people always have to seek acceptance.That makes those folks vulnerable, especially since up until very recently, women held no places of power in the industry which allowed men to prey on young aspiring stars and starlets. 

Stories are coming out right and left about sexual misconduct. It appears that it really does exist everywhere. I am extremely happy that women, and in small number, a few men are coming forward with their stories. It is a reminder that your voice matters and your story needs to be heard. Obviously, there is power in numbers. We are getting more of these stories as fear begins to take a backseat. Looking specifically at Harvey Weinstein, we can see where fear overshadowed repeated calls for help. It was widely known that he was a disgusting pig who preyed on aspiring thespians, yet his company was very powerful. I don't know why women are finally speaking their truth but let it serve as an encouragement. In most cases, your story needs and deserves to be heard. Your story/conflict/situation is probably NOT an isolated case. No matter what fear you have, speak your truth.There is unity and power in numbers. 

Let's examine another predator. Roy Moore, a candidate for US Senate, in the state of Alabama, is obnoxious, however, I'm sure he feels empowered because the POTUS is an admitted harasser and yet he has landed the highest office in the land. Moore refuses to step down despite over 30 allegations accusing him of sexual misconduct. I'm sure in his mind that if the POTUS can continue in office, he can continue to run for Governor. Another act, that causes my stomach to turn. From my perspective, it's another man who is so used to the good ole boy way of doing things that he refuses to be a decent human being and go gently into the night. How dare we want him to take two seats. I'm sure him being from Alabama doesn't help.  Again, it makes me sad that our children are held witness to such dishonorable behavior. Kevins Spacey, as much as I like him as an actor, has become a person non grata in my book because in his apology for sexual misconduct, he took the opportunity to out himself as gay. Who the hell does that? A good ole boy, that's who. Now the livelihood of hundreds of folks livelihood is in limbo because production has been stopped on House of Cards due to his indiscretions.

All of this confirms that you better be your child's first and best role model. As we can see no one is exempt from being a predator. Bill Cosby was, "America's dad" back in the 80s when his show was a huge success. I feel absolutely positive that he is guilty of mistreating and sexually abusing women, despite being extremely talented. As I type this, Russell Simmons, has stepped down. Mr. Zen himself creeped me out when he married a very young Kimora but hey, just my thoughts. Matt Lauer was terminated by NBC earlier this week for detailed acts of misconduct. You'd think $25 Million/year and a high profile would be enough. NOT! Obviously, I could go on since every day, there is at least one person outed of late but you get the idea.

So what exactly is my point? SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN. God gave each of us a voice for a reason. We need to use our voices, even when we think no one is listening. Your mess will become a message and that message can help someone else. Living in fear is not living at all. You are in bondage. We weren't meant to be in bondage, we were meant to live free and in community. America is an ever changing place and hopefully things continue to improve. Things never change or improve if you fail to add your two cents....no matter how painful or hurtful they may be. Your story matters, your testimony matters. By silencing yourself, you continue to give power to the individual who caused you harm in the first place. Speak your truth, it deserves to be heard. It may fall on deaf ears at first but keep speaking. You will touch someone. Remember...power lies in the tongue...just make sure you use it for good. 

In Diva Love, 

Pamela