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
