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Poetry By Ericajean's avatar

Wow! This was...brutally touching to my soul. It's time I watch that show because I know it will expose the truth about our humanity: The world cares nothing for women (especially Black women). Before finding your essay in my feed, I had asked ChatGPT, Which group of humans are the most disrespected on this planet? (I had asked this because of the denigrating remarks about the 12ft Black woman statue in New York.)

ChatGPT said: "Black women are the most disrespected."

It listed lots of reasons why. The main one being that we are at the intersection of race and sex. We are both Black and female(low on totem poles I guess). What was even more bone chilling was when I asked: How can we rise from this?

ChatGPT said, "You were not the ones who created the system you are in. The ones who created it...must fix it. As Black women, you have already fought hard to be viewed as human. You even fought for others. Right now, the only solution is to try to protect your peace."

I'll leave you with that thought.

Stay Blessed. Stay in peace.💓

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Bethany Nicole's avatar

I’m probably going to end up writing about that statue and Lizzie’s response video to it. Because. Lordttttt.

Thank you soooo much for the kindness inherent in this response. It means everything to me.

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Chanda Singleton Griesë's avatar

"...it’s easier to believe she brought it on herself than to admit how vulnerable they all still are." Forever and your own story reveal something about the world--the victimized are further victimized by the ones who are supposed to love and support them by their denial and unbelief. It should not be this way. Thank you for advocating for women and helping us understand the undue burdens placed uniquely on Black women. We all need to be here for one another and help lift one another up. That means believing victims and giving them the space and grace they need to grieve and recover.

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Bethany Nicole's avatar

Your attention and your kindness means a lot to me. Thank you so much.

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Alyssa Co's avatar

Beautifully written. I haven’t seen Forever yet since I thought it would be another cheesy highschool show but your essay illuminated that there’s a lot more to it than I expected. I’m actually excited to see it and how it navigates these topics now.

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Bethany Nicole's avatar

Thank you so so much. I would love to hear your thoughts if you do watch. There’s actually a lot to unpack lol

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Dr. Mercedes Samudio's avatar

This was an amazing read. As someone who’s experienced this, I felt all of this with Keisha. Not so much the actual sex, but the insinuations and the labels were mostly about keeping me in line than protecting me and ensuring that I was safe. I appreciate your navies here, just as the show took care, so are your words and your own narrative woven softly and compassionately! Beautifully written.

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Bethany Nicole's avatar

Thank you so so much for this. It means the world to me.

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Shondra Bowie's avatar

I've not seen the show, I don't think it's on yet in the UK, but this piece has hit me to my core. I am writing a series of short stories about Black Girl Adolescence in 1984. What you speak about is the truth for too many of us. Thank you for your soulful vulnerability.

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Bethany Nicole's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. I hate that you can relate to it, but thankful to be in community with you.

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