Introduction

Hello Everyone!

My first post! How exciting!

Let start right off the bat. My name is Krystal and I'm from the garden state, New Jersey.  It's a lovely little state and no, the people from Jersey Shore do NOT represent me or the rest of Jersey residents.  Please, no comparisons. 

Here is my greatest statement to you all: I. Am. A. Woman.

Clear enough?

I am a woman.  I have a face. I have a heart.  I am person. 

Are you a person?  Do you look into a mirror each morning and recognize the face staring back at you? Does your heart beat I your chest? Then, you must be a person, too.

You must be important to someone.  You must hold something of value, to yourself. To others. Does that mean all people are equal?

No.

No, they are not. 

There is no equality.  Not all people are treated equal.  Not all people have the right to free speech, to vote, to protest their government. 

No.

In this world, there is no Equality.

Equality is a lie.

Because we made it that way. 

Because women are beaten and raped and shamed.  Because men are allowed to do this and are applauded.  Because child brides are real.  Because female genital mutilation is real. 

Where is your Compassion, Humanity?  Is that, too, dead? Mutilated? Raped? Sold to the richest buyer?

I'm tired.  So, very, tired.  Tired of looking over my shoulder after dark.  Of being told the rules on how not to be raped.  Of suspecting every man who comes up to me of being a potential rapist.  Of reading stories about campus rape, and date rape, and everything in between. 

Is that wrong? To want to be able to go out and fear for my safety? Is that too much to ask?

But the movement against rape, against inequality, and the rights of women, seems frighteningly...quiet...

Why?