How Do I Put This?(October Awareness)

I know y'all get tired of my feelings on how the awareness of Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence are treated in October, the month designated for them. But I noticed how certain women-led talk shows rush to talk about Breast Cancer Awareness at the beginning of the month like it is an obligation. I notice how certain women-led talk shows can make sure they wear purple on October 18th aka Spirit Day for Anti-Bullying. Yes, Anti-Bullying campaigns are just as important, but it's just odd with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, certain women-led talk shows never mention that in the month of October. And well, I'm tired of it that, too.

But then I look at a national commercial for a popular item and I see the first non-family DV survivor I ever met on it. When I 18, I took Women's Self-Defense(I know how to change a tire because of this class) and Domestic Violence was the topic. The question was why do victims stay. And this woman said, "Because they are stupid". I remember side-eyeing her the rest of the class.

And when our lecturer assigned us to write a summary about the discussion, I honed in on her statement, said victims were not stupid, and told about someone I knew that had left a horrible relationship like that. A week later, we were made to read one another's paper. I found out she was a victim and she often felt bad because of it. Her story stuck with me. It was good to see her living her dreams and I pray she describes her self as a survivor & victor, now.

  I saw the church I grew up in aka My Foundation Church had a program & balloon release for Breast Cancer Awareness. It was good to see the survivors (even male ones) tell their stories on how they overcame this brutal disease. Many times we talk about facts and impact after a person has died. It is inspiring to see survivors speak about their experiences.

Yeah, I get frustrated while wearing pink & purple. Yet, I know my & other's heartfelt work helps somebody, somewhere. Maybe one day larger platforms will do more, but until I'll keep showing my awareness, my way.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!