Caramel Contemplation

This post is in response to Lady Gaga's recently released music video 'Till It Happens To You...

Why is it that in this day and age, as a woman, I am not allowed the right (read: privilege) to have control of my own body? Every single day I am bombarded with stories of rape and assault, women being punished for exercising their right to say no and men walking around as if we're just items to be owned by the most aggressive individual?

'Till It Happens To You centers around the portrayal of campus assaults and rapes experienced by women in tertiary institutions around the globe. Not only did the visuals portrayed disturb me, they garnered such rage that I had no choice but to say something. Why is it so difficult for me to respected as a woman? Does the fact that I have a vagina automatically mean that I should be at the access and mercy of those too self-absorbed to accept rejection?

My body belongs to me. I do not need validation from another human being, let alone on the basis of said person having a penis attached to their body. I deserve respect and the decency that comes with civilized interaction between the sexes. Neither my breasts, nor my ass, or any other part of my body was born for the sake of another's pleasure. My dignity remains intact and my will strong. Just because I was born a woman does not mean I owe any part of my existence to a man. GET THIS RIGHT.

I am not an object to be acquired. Do not ever make the mistake of treating me as such.