So I was listening to NPR while driving in my Saab on my way home from the Farmer’s Market wearing my Tom’s (just kidding, I’m not that big a stereotype!)… But I heard a story I think all of you should listen to if you have a moment.
It got my thinking back to ihavemythings’ post a few weeks ago about female journalists working in dangerous areas. To give you a brief synopsis, this story is about a former NPR reporter who was raped twice in her life, once while still a teen and once while reporting on a story. She never told anyone about her rapes and over time she just lost it, developed a heavy addiction to alcohol and ended up in prison for four years. While in prison she realized that her story was not unique, and that trauma, addiction, correctional facilities and oppression are all overlapping entities. I’ll let you listen to the rest (the first 25 minutes or so are of her story). I know that seems long but I strongly suggest you listen to it, I found it really moving…and infuriating.
Just a disclaimer: parts of the interview are pretty disturbing so be prepared.
On a day where a study was released that women are still making $0.75 for every $1.00 a man makes for the same work, I think it is important to realize just how systematic the oppression of women still is in this country.
ShoutOut! James Madison University 