Thursday, August 23, 2012

Sometimes the so called Rescuer is the one who needs to be Rescued


Who do you know that walks around bragging about how they have been “rescued.”  
What healthy and happy individual ever hopes to be referred to as a “victim.”  I cannot help but wonder if these very terms meant to demonstrate innocence (or lack of fault) could be complicating an already complex situation. 

I respect many individuals and organizations that are working in this arena.  This is not a rant against anyone. I only bring this up because I shudder when I hear the words victim and rescue over and over and over. At times it even seems to be re-exploitation. Using the words, stories and experiences of someone else to raise a dollar or gain attention.

Every one of us is moving forward.  We get nowhere dwelling on our past.  We know it is not something to be ignored but neither should it be our sole focus.  A girl or boy, man or woman that has dealt with trauma does not need to be reminded of every painful memory on the walls around them.  In the newspapers, or in books.  They don’t need to hear their story told over and over with these words as key.  They should not have to tell their story over and over.  There is a time and a place to address these issues and it is not in the eye of the public.  On display for “the rest of us.”  It is not through social media or campaigning. This is an area for professionals.  This is the time for committed, seasoned, and culturally knowledgeable experts.  This is just my personal experience - not a professional opinion by any means.

I hear presentations or see passionate films meant to induce empathy and funds and over and over I wince at the constant use of these words.  Victim.   Rescue. 

Definition of “Rescue” according to Merriam Webster:

to free from confinement, danger, or evil : save, deliver as

a : to take (as a prisoner) forcibly from custody

b : to recover (as a prize) by force

c : to deliver (as a place under siege) by armed force

If I were truly “rescued” from a horrendous situation as these films, books, websites, etc. imply I would feel greatly indebted to the person or people who rescued me.  Especially as a wounded and traumatized individual, that word thrown around over and over and over could cause feelings of deep obligation.  

To free someone from danger, to save or deliver them.  That is a massive task.  I do not think this could really be happening as often as it is being implied.  Rather it almost seems as if  people are just trying to be heroes.  

There are countless organizations and groups with the term Rescue in their name.  The word is used on their websites, at their conferences, in face to face conversation, in their brochures….everywhere.  It is a part of them.  A part of their foundation.  To them it is a piece of their existence.  Is it affecting their approach?

But what if there is more.  What about the girls and boys who need to move beyond this.  What about the women who are learning worth, value, significance.  NOT learning from someone who has ‘rescued’ them, not learning from their surroundings.  But finding the worth that is inherent in their very beings. 

Many of us have been "victims."  But we do not ask people to refer to us that way.  
W do not need to have the world know.  I do not wish to be referred to as “rescued’ “saved” “delivered” or “freed.”  Maybe others do not wish it either.

These words seem to connotate some kind of Supreme Being.  




Just the first half of the first page of Google search for rescue, trafficking







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