A Serious Matter

Okay, I need some help understanding something. The ICTY determined that rape is a human rights violation, and is categorized as a crime against humanity… And yet here in the USA, rapists are given excuses such as “she shouldn’t have been drinking, or wearing such a short skirt.”

What in the name of all that is good and holy is wrong with this picture? Why do we excuse crimes against humanity by blaming the victim? #WomensRights are #HumanRights. #ProsecuteRapists and #ProtectVictims!

If an international court can bring convictions for crimes against humanity against rapists, why can the United States of America not defend its own citizens? Why are women constantly having to police what they are wearing or drinking because our government will not protect them? #TakeAStand for women, take a stand for humanity, and take a stand for decency.

I know that people are going to get tired of hearing me complain about these issues over the next year as I research these very crimes in other countries, but I don’t care.

If my words make you uncomfortable, you are part of the problem. If you think women should NEED to police what they wear in public so they don’t get raped you are #PartOfTheProblem. If you think #BoysWillBeBoys is an excuse, you are the problem.

Men are people. Women are people. Trans*men and trans*women are people. Asexual and Agender people are people. #WeAreAllHuman and #WeAllDeserveEquality. That means we all need to #FaceOurSins also. Men who rape should be punished, castrated in my opinion. Women, and others who rape should also be punished.

#ViolenceIsViolence and it is #NeverOkay.

Film Review – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

I normally don’t do film reviews, but I can’t resist on this one. It is rated R, obviously, and for good reason. I would not let my children watch this film (if I had any) unless they were extremely mature. There is a lot of content in this film that could traumatize a young mind, and I think that’s the point.

Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence, Rape, Torture, Murder

Orphan Train – Review

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

“What did you choose to take with you?
What did you leave behind?
What insights did you gain? “

This novel’s wondrous story message can be summarized by that simple quote. A novel of pure self examination and introspection connecting generations through tragedy and horror.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Sexual violence, violence against children, childhood trauma, abandonment, exile, abuse of power.

Coming Soon – Orphan Train Review

This coming year, Philadelphia has chosen Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline for their “One book, One Philadelphia” program. So I have decided for fun to join in, even though I do not live in Philadelphia.

I will be reviewing the book after I finish.

I am LOVING the book so far…

Spoilers…. Not included, as always.

Love and pummels,
Chaya the playful elf

My studies

For those of you that may not have already guessed, I am not your typical girl.

I study the darkest sides of humanity, and delve deep into the muck and crap that humans have done throughout the years.

I am a student of the Holocaust and other genocides. I am currently working towards my MA. My thesis, when I start working on it, will be about sexual violence. I do not know the specifics yet, as I need to work that out with my advisor, but I know it will focus on the suffering of women.

This is a field of study that is very near and dear to me, in ways that I cannot explain.

Suffice it to say that my mind is one fouled up place to live, and I am blessed to have a wife who can help guide me to the light when I am studying the darkness. And you readers are a blessing to me, giving me an audience who cares about how Chaya is feeling.

I love you all.

Please try not to be too frightened by any posts I make concerning my research and its impact on my emotions and well being.

Chaya bat Maria