While there are many questions surrounding this situation and this book, what is not at question is the fact that the story, as described by Lena, is a narrative of a child being sexually abused. We can not give Lena Dunham a pass because she has a hit show, she is a woman, or she and her family are artistic. We must not make allowances for any “normalization” of sexual abuse. We must always stand up in the face of child abuse and predatory behavior, and call it exactly what it is.Today I was interviewed on NewsmaxTV's MidPoint with Ed Berliner about the power dynamic when you have children who are more than five years apart in age, the systematic predatory behavior Dunham recounts, and how important it is not to normalize child sexual abuse in any way.
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A quick note about The New Agenda Organization, in case you haven't heard about the work they are doing. The New Agenda is focused on improving the lives of women and girls by bringing about systemic change in the media, workplace, schools, and at home. They seek to achieve safety and opportunity for all women by addressing issues which unite us, and by advancing women into leadership roles.
I've been a member of The New Agenda Think Tank since 2012, and it has been such a rewarding experience. Our members come from different backgrounds, and have differing political views, but we are all committed to promoting women and women's issues. It gives me hope in a country that is increasingly divided to see us working together and transcending the Republican and Democratic boxes that the media and culture try to lock us into. When you come at issues with a narrow focus, asking "What is good for women?" there is so much that can be accomplished. I'm proud to be even a small part of that.
You are definitely a force to be reckoned with and I do know this is a subject that indeed hits home for you, but still can't say enough how much I admire your courage and your fortitude. Thank you so much Tracie for all you have done and continue to do to help young woman who are indeed in need.
ReplyDeleteTracie, thank you for your voice, and continued advocacy on this important issue!
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing that you are able to speak out on child sexual abuse for the many kids who are sadly too scared to speak for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you are so open and honest with a subject that so many people shy away from!!
ReplyDeleteI have been sexually abused plenty of times and this sends off major alarms for me. I don't understand why she doesn't understand that this is wrong. All I can think about are all of the instances she didn't talk about. The way she words things makes my skin crawl. Thank you so much Tracie for talking about this, you are AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteThis was a bloody great post..................just so you know
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for talking about this - and for sharing the video!!
ReplyDeleteYour interview is great. And I like how you point out that sometimes we just count something serious as curiosity.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more! You did an amazing job on the interview!
ReplyDeleteYou did fabulous! You were clear and concise and definitely portrayed your position well. What a great interview! I'm so proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for speaking up! Sexual abuse is not a joke, and especially the way in which she was talking. You did wonderfully in your interview.
ReplyDeleteXO
I've never been a fan of Lena Dunham and I was appalled when I read this story. This was an amazing interview and you made great points! Thanks for sharing the video, Tracie.
ReplyDeleteI FINALLY got to watch your interview!! WOOT!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you and your incredible voice. I read your post over at New Agenda and kept starting and stopping a comment and eventually hit the wall where I shut all my browser windows, so I never got to say how amazing you are and how strong and powerful an advocate you've been and continue to be. xo