“I’m weary of the ways of the world…”
*rubs temples*
Sistas, how y’all feelin? Brothas, y’all alright?
We aint even a month into the new year, and *BOOM* …we’re triggered.
For those that haven’t been on social media for the last week or so, Lifetime debuted a six part documentary titled “Surviving R. Kelly,” a docu-series detailing the life and events surrounding the sexual assault and abuse allegations lodged against Kelly throughout his career. It is important to note that the bulk of the allegations come from minors. Social media has been in a uproar, as many are divided in their thoughts and opinions regarding the coverage and support of the world renowned King of R&B. There are folks that believe he is innocent, and that the series is all a conspiracy to take another black man down, while others believe that Kelly is indeed guilty, and that he ought to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. What is causing the most ruckus among many in the comment sections of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, though, is the overwhelming amount of support from men and women in support of R. Kelly and the non belief of the young women that have found the courage to tell their stories. I won’t repeat them, but the comments are insensitive and damaging to anyone that has or is currently going through similar traumas.
Can you imagine being a child, going through what these young women went through, and hearing your family and loved ones accuse the young women of lying, or insinuating that the crimes committed against them were their fault? There is no doubt in my mind that there are children that have been coaxed into lying (teenagers too,) but what about the children that aren’t? How is a child supposed to come to you when they see you actively defending a person committing similar acts against them?
*rubs temples*
As I’ve suggested in a previous blog, if any one of our readers has been abused in any way, I am urging you to take a break from social media, or refresh and remove “friends” from your timelines that are triggering your trauma. If you choose to stay active on social media, I hope you are doing something to soothe yourself when you log off. You shouldn’t have to defend your experiences to anyone, let alone a social media commentor who hasn’t had to live the life you’re living post abuse.
Period.
And that’s all I have to say about that (for now.)
Peace,
April Bee