Thursday, February 26, 2009
ARGUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY EVENT - Clothesline Project
March 25-26: Clothesline Project, noon-6 p.m., Transitions, Warren Hall: The project is a visual display that bears witness to violence against men and women, composed of T-shirts decorated to represent various individuals' experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual victimization; for information, contact Alyssa Garnich at 568-4713 or garnicam@jmu.edu.
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I attended the Clothesline Project and the first thing I noticed walking in was that there was a sign on the door saying SILENCE PLEASE. That confused me a little because I thought that the experience should be something to talk about. That people should be able to comment on what the t-shirts said and just have an overall discussion about the exhibit. Once instead there was a gong that rang out every couple of seconds. In the beginning I thought that the gong coupled with the silence was kind of eerie. Then I found a sign that explained the gong symbolized every time someone was assaulted, a whistle would symbolize every time someone was sexually abused and a bell symbolized every time someone was killed. This helped explain the importance of silence, also the silence was important to symbolize that many people do not disclose their abuse. There were so many shirts in the exhibit. All had different stories, sayings, and emotions. All of the t-shirts were by different people either supporting a survivor or telling their own stories. It was a very moving and powerful experience. Also, at the end those who visited the exhibit could leave their own notes if they wanted to. The exhibit really showed how many people are touched by sexual assault.
This was an extremely powerful event. Like Emily said, the silence was very disconcerting, especially once I realized the significance of the gong, the bell, and the whistle. There were so many t-shirts that it was very overwhelming to read all the stories and see how people are coping with being sexually assaulted or having a loved one who has been sexually assaulted. It was difficult to walk through the exhibit because of how many tshirts there were, but at the same time, I know that the event would not have been as powerful or as meaningful if it was not so large. There were also various brochures available for people to take on sexual assault and different hotlines. This event was a great way to teach those who have not been touched by sexual assault how enormous and common this type of assault is, as well as being a way for people to cope with sexual assault. I've told a lot of people that they should go see this exhibit, which is a testament for how powerful this exhibit is.
I went to this event Wednesday afternoon. I had a general idea what the meaning behind the event was, but never realized how powerful it would be. There were shirts all over Transitions "breaking the silence" with the stories of survivors and hope for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The stories on the shirts showed the pain that people had held inside of them and it was amazing to see their stories. You could tell that victims of this are burdened by their experiences and this project is a step to dealing with their pain and emotion and letting things be out in the open. The theme is break the silence and I found it interesting that it was so quiet in there, out of respect, but the words and pictures on the shirts spoke louder than any one person could ever dream of. I also liked the fact that there was a private section for other survivors to make shirts, everyone has a chance to speak out. This was one of the most powerful events I have been to.
I just read through the other three comments and I have to say, I had a similar experience. I did not really know what to expect from this event, and it moved me and had an impact on me much more than I thought it would have. The silence was very powerful and the rings/gongs were reminders of how prevalent rape, violence against women, and death of women from their partners is. The messages on the shirts varied. Some t-shirts had poems about their abuse; others were extremely specific about a time they were raped. Some shirts were very angry and were written to their abusers or to people who knew about the abuse and did nothing. Others had messages of gratitude to friends who had supported them throughout their healing. A big theme was the importance of talking about your abuse and not letting it ruin your life. Sexual abuse, rape, and domestic violence can control one's life and severely scar them emotionally. Another big theme of the event was how alcohol should not be a factor in determining sexual assault. I think many college women may blame themselves for sexual advances made by men if alcohol is involved. This event said that if you are too drunk to say no or stop it, you are still being taken advantage of. I hope many JMU students went to this. It is so important to recognize what rape is and that you aren't alone.
I also attended the Clothesline Project, but having been to this display in previous years, I knew what to expect. In response to the other comments, I agree that the silence is a bit eerie at first, but that is part of what makes the display so effective. The silence, combined with the ringing of the gong and the heart-wrenching messages that are displayed on the t-shirts, creates a somber and reflective atmosphere for viewers. Hearing the gong provides a stark reminder of how often sexual assault or abuse occurs. I believe that the Clothesline Project is a highly effective way to bring attention to, and advocate speaking out against, all forms of sexual assault. The devastating and painful experiences of victims as conveyed through the t-shirts provoke sympathy, but also anger that anyone could possibly do something so vile to someone. Reading the outcries of these victims brings to mind similar experiences that have happened to loved ones, or that could happen to them. The display really makes you stop and think how angry, hurt, devastated, and vengeful you would feel if you or someone you loved was sexually assaulted. Programs like Take Back the Night, the Clothesline Project, and other such events are key toward raising awareness and taking the needed steps to end sexual abuse.
When I first heard about the Clothesline Project, I knew it involved people writing stories on t-shirts, but I did not expect to read shirts with such strong and powerful messages written on them. All of the shirts shared someone’s story, or offered encouragement to others to stay strong during hard times of violence and abuse. While I read the shirts, the gong, bell and whistle continued to go off, and I found this to be a very powerful thing. Every single time one of those went off, it meant someone was raped, assaulted, or killed. Those noises never stopped the entire time I was reading the shirts, and that really made me realize how often those things occur. The shirts were very powerful and while some people expressed hate on theirs, other offered forgiveness and compassion towards others. I remember reading one shirt that said “After 8 years, you can’t hurt me anymore Dad.” I found this to be upsetting, but at the same time, very powerful because that person was able to get away from the abuse and help themself. As I read every shirt, I was very sad by the stories I was reading, and also relieved that some people were able to get away from the bad situation, and have others support and help them. I took a lot from the Clothesline Project. It was a very powerful thing and it made me realize that sexual assault happens every minute of every day. I took a lot out of this event, and I thought it was a powerful way to get the word out about sexual assault and abuse.
Like others, I had been to the Clothesline project before, yet the message intended by its organizers was still just as potent. The hundreds of shirts swinging silently coupled with the gentle yet frighteningly incessant gong, bell, and whistle combined to drive home the message that sexual abuse and violence is an ever present, yet largely subtle problem that plagues our society. The biggest obstacle standing in the way of preventing sexual violence is the inaction of others, and the refusal to acknowledge its presence across all levels of our community. This powerful message, combined with the presence of different types of literature and information for those needing help or simply wanting to offer their assistance made the Clothesline Project a stirring reminder that widespread, community based action is needed if we hope to drastically reduce or prevent sexual assault and violence in the future.
I also was fortunate enought o attend the clothesline project a few short weeks ago. I agree with other other bloggers that the silence when first enteringt the exhibit is quite different then anything I have experienced before. After moving along the exhibit and reading the shirts with gut wrenching stories of people who have been directly affected by sexual assault crimes i was thankful for the silence because i could fully grasp my thoughts of this devasting topic.
I agree with Sarah about the discussion brought up about how alcohol plays a role in instances of sexual assault and rape. People often debate about whose fault it is, and if the girl is drunk if it was "her own fault" she got raped. I think its important to undertstand that if some one does not verbally agree to sexual actions or is to drunk to disagree it is a form of sexual assault. I wish that every student both male and female were required to take part in the clothesline project or a similar project so that everyone is aware of how serious of a topic sexual assault and rape is.
Having never attending the Clothesline Project before, I had no idea how it would be setup or how the environment would be since it is regarding such a serious topic. When first entering and hearing nothing but silence, I realized how powerful this experience would be for me. I enjoyed reading the shirts as a walked along hearing stories of survival and that one should never give up even after a traumatic experience in their life. On my way out I did grab some pamphlets on sexual assault to learn more statistics and what to do if I know someone who is affected or will be affected. I think this project overall is a great way to open anyone’s eyes whose not familiar with sexual assault to how serious it is and how people’s lives are ruined all too often by it.
Attending the Clothesline Project as my first advocacy event introduced me to a different kind of way to advocate for a specific cause. The Clothesline Project was a visual display of t-shirts that bears witness to community members’ experiences with sexual assault and violence. Similar to a lot of the previous posts, the most interesting aspect that I encountered while attending this event was the fact that the sign said silence please. Along with this silence, the gong, whistles and bells were a great way to illustrate the prevalence of sexual assaults. Each one rang in a harsh tone reminding the people present of the assaults that are going on. I thought this was a great experience to bring to JMU and I really enjoyed attending it.
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