Refuse to Give Up! What is Resiliency?
Take Back the Night’s focus this year is ‘refuse to give
up’, which is an example of resiliency. So what then, is resiliency? Resiliency
is the ability to quickly recover from difficulties, such as trauma, threats, or
tragedies. Being resilient does not mean experiencing no difficulties or hardships, it means moving forward with supportive relationships, encouragements, and reassurance. Resiliency
is refusing to be silenced when standing up against the violence directed
towards women and children.
The beginning of September marks the beginning of a new
school year where students are met with positive beginnings. However, students
from at least two universities were faced with negative messages glorifying
non-consensual intercourse. Last week, a pro-rape chant was used during frosh
week at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The chant itself
celebrated and promoted underage, non-consensual sex: “SMU boys we like them young…
Y is for your sister, O is for oh so tight, U is for underage, N is for no
consent, G is for grab that a**.”
Similarity, the same pro-rape chant was sung during frosh week at the
Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia.
It was revealed that this particular chant has been used for
some years. According to the Global Mail, the students’ attempted to conceal
the chants by the mutual agreement that “if it happens in the group, it has to stay in the
group.” Furthermore, there were students that have come forward complaining
about the chants; however, their concerns were dismissed. It was not until the
videos were posted on the internet that disciplinary measures and actions were
taken to stop the chant from occurring.
Resiliency can come from different sources; from individuals or from a
group, it can be personal or it can be public resiliency. Regarding the pro-rape chants,
resiliency came from the public; resiliency came from the students stepping up
against the chants and fellow peers. Resiliency can mean different things to
different people. What does resiliency mean to you?
There are no easy solutions to eliminate violence against women; we
need a joint effort from society, governments, men and women. We can begin by
recognizing and standing up against violence – let’s refuse to give up!
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