Twenty-seven years ago, Anita Hill J.D. testified in front of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee on the confirmation of Judge Clarence Thomas. Last week, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified in front of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee on the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Despite these and other credible questions of their judicial fitness, both men were confirmed to lifetime appointments to the highest court in the country.
I’ve had a difficult time reconciling this repetition of history. I fear that so many of the gains we have made over the last decades are at risk. We clearly have so far to go, and yet—in spite of my fear and dejection—I believe we HAVE come a long way.
Despite the outcome of the vote, which I deeply believe was more about politics than substance, the majority of Americans found Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony credible; they thought her testimony should matter. We believe survivors. More and more of us believe survivors. And it’s bringing us together.
The #MeToo Movement has elevated our public discourse surrounding sexual assault. We thank Tarana Burke and the women of color who have been at the forefront of this dialogue. This elevation has led to many more survivors feeling empowered to share their stories of assault and abuse, and to demand change.
With new stories surfacing, it is becoming clear to many just how rampant sexual violence is. Conversations about respect, consent, healthy relationships, and undoing “rape culture” are now in the mainstream. More women, and women of color in particular, are running for office. Young people are organizing against violence of all forms. The Nobel Peace Prize this year went to two people for their work fighting sexual violence as a weapon of war.
Survivors voices are being heard, and they are changing the world.
Last week, in my anger, I came across a quote that lifted me. This quote came from a letter that three 15-year-old girls, Layla, Charlotte, and Jessica, wrote in response to Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony.
“Courage is contagious, and that gives us hope for our future.”
Courage is contagious. And with all of our courageous voices getting louder every day, spurring us on in our action and engagement, I do have hope for a more just and loving future.
Onward,
Merril Cousin
Executive Director