It Happens To Anyone

Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqC1J2xRP6o&feature=youtu.be

Introduction/ Thesis: For my project, I wanted to provide a platform for people to speak comfortably about their experiences with sexual assault and violence. This platform became a series of video interviews, of which I got inspiration from a BuzzFeed video, Devyn Shares Her Sexual Assault Story. I also used Halsey’s Speech at the 2018 NYC Women’s March for additional sources to help solidify my argument that sexual assault and violence happens to anyone, as my title implies. The final source I used was Nannette by Hannah Gadsby. Nannette was my primary source that guidance and support, as her stories she shared created tension and forced all the members in the audience to feel her pain. This was my goal with the stories; I wanted to create tension and elicit emotions from the viewers, so they can truly feel the pain and discomfort these survivors felt. Using them as my guide, my video tells the stories of three “ordinary” women, Allison Hager, a college student at West Liberty University, Izzy Hawkinberry, a college student at Shepherd University, and a woman who asked to remain anonymous, each of whom has put herself back together in the face of violence or gender oppression.

Tell us about what you did: The process for my project required me to come in contact with survivors who trusted me to tell their story. Once I found these wonderful women, I set up interview times, and although I was thrown for a loop when this quarantine happened, we persevered. Like I stated in my introduction, I supported my thesis by using Nanette, Devyn Shares Her Sexual Assault Story, and Halsey’s 2018 speech at the NYC Women’s March, as examples that even if you have a high position in society, you can experience the same thing as the women in college. Based on all these stories, which all happened at different ages, to different cultural backgrounds and races, I concluded that sexual assault and violence can happen to anyone and it needs to be talked about.

“So What?”: This project and issue are important because there is so much negative stigma around talking about your stories of surviving and it is time to break that standard. It is time to start talking about it and providing safe spaces for everyone to shares their stories, without the fear of being criticized. We also have to stop ignoring the stories the people are telling, like in the Brett Kavanaugh vs Dr. Ford case. Everyone thought Dr. Ford was lying for political gain, and this needs to stop. I do understand that there are people who spread false claims, but that doesn’t mean we should stop listening to everyone else. That is why this is all-important because we need to create tension, make people feel the pain and emotions we feel, so they finally understand the things we all go through. I should never feel unsafe in a school environment, at work, or living my daily life, because I am a minority, a female member of the LGBTQ+ community. The more people we have and the stronger we fight back against this violence towards the minorities, the faster we can minimize the gender gaps and minority discrimination.

What did I learn? What Surprised Me?: During this project, I confirmed what I had already known, that violence happens to anyone. Although, I did learn that through these painful experiences, we all have found something or someone that helps make us feel empowered and strong again. On a personal level, what surprised me is what my cousin went through. My cousin in the video was Ally. I never knew her story until this project and after recording, we both shared stories we had never told each other, which is rare because we are basically sisters. But I did feel better knowing that she has the strong women in her sorority to support her when I can’t be there.

What is my favorite part, and why?: My favorite part of this project was definitely the video portion. I had so much fun coming up with the concept and seeing it be executed. I loved seeing that my friends trusted me to tell their stories in a great way. From the reactions I have seen to the video, I love that I was able to achieve the goal I had of eliciting tension and emotions.

Overall, I have loved this project with all my heart, and I hope I can expand on it in the future with more interviews. I hope you all enjoyed it and understand the messages I was trying to convey. I will miss you guys more than anything! <3