#WhyIDidntReport has been trending on Twitter and cropping up on my newsfeed. I've been shocked and saddened by the experiences I've seen tweeted.
I don't know why I'm so shocked though, after my own (minor) sexual assault 7 years ago, so many female friends came forward to tell me of their own experiences, many of whom didn't report it - or even tell anyone.
I've just started listening to Grimes (real name, Claire Boucher) and her particular brand of what has been described as "ABBA meets Aphex Twin" electro-y sort of music (and also as "witch-house" which I love!), but when I heard her song Oblivion, I just couldn't get the lyric "see you on a dark night" out of my head. Because, well, I got attacked on a "dark night".
The song itself is great - ethereal, catchy, with a great trip-hop beat behind it. Grimes has a lovely voice too - soothing and seductive - Baby45 loves her.
The video is pretty cool too - it subverts the traditional idea of a singer up on a platform and puts her in the audience instead. Filmed at football matches and biking competitions, the contrast of Grimes bobbing around with her pink fringe and Enya-style voice is in interesting one. (check this for more on the meaning behind the video)
"The song's sort of about being — I was assaulted and I had a really hard time engaging in any types of relationship with men, because I was just so terrified of men for a while." So the lyrics made sense after that - to me and my interpretation at least."
I think it's a testament to her strength that Grimes created something so beautiful out of what I imagine must have been a horrible experience. (see also this fab Bluestocking article on the song)
So here's the lyrics:
"And never walk about, after darkit's my point of view.Cause someone could break your neckComing up behind you always coming and you'd never have a clueAnd now I'm left behind, all the timeI will wait forever, always looking straightThinking, counting, all the hours you waitSee you on a dark night(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)See you on a dark night(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)See you on a dark night(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)See you on a dark nightAnd now another clue I would askIf you could help me outIt's hard to understand'Cause when you're running by yourself ( this line is listed as "really by yourself")It's hard to find someone to hold your handAnd now it's gonna be tough for meBut I will wait foreverI need someone nowTo look into my eyes and tell meGirl you know you've got to watch your healthTo look into my eyes and tell meLa la la la laTo look into my eyes and tell meLa la la la laLa la la la laLa la la la laI see you on a dark nightI see you on a dark night(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)I see you on a dark night(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)I see you on a dark night(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)"
Thank you and goodnight,
Stupidgirl has left the building
It's horrifying how many women have been subject to sexual assault, let alone verbal abuse. My best friend was raped over 20 years ago, and whilst it hasn't stopped her forming meaningful, long term relationships, I can see its affect on her even know. Sometimes I feel ashamed to be of the gender as the hateful morons who would do a woman harm.
ReplyDeleteImportant Subject that must not be ignored. Thanks for posting. . Always insightful and genuine.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys - more and more these stories are coming out :( On the other hand, if you haven't checked out Grimes, she's awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment!
Stupidgirl45 x