The “A” Word.

Em @ And Nothing Else Matters

You aren’t being overly sensitive. It’s just downright wrong. It’s making light of something serious, devastating and heartbreaking. Nothing about using the word abuse is lighthearted or humorous. Hugs to you xo

Anonymous

I don’t disagree with any of this, but I think that #hashtagabuse is referring to the use of writing too many hashtags, “speaking” only in hashtags, etc. I understand your sensitivity to that particular word, but you can ‘abuse’ anything (chocolate for instance!), its not always tied to violence. It has various definitions, but broadly means the improper use of something.

That being said, I can understand the reaction to this video or GIF. Perhaps showing Taylor Swift getting punched in the face, even by a cartoon, might be upsetting to her fans, or some women in general. But as a celebrity, I think she’s just an easy target for things like this, and people like to make fun…probably because they are jealous of her talent and beauty.

I wouldn’t worry about whats being said in some corner of the internet somewhere, and focus more on lifting women up, inspiring, and helping those that need it.

Hope Pedulla

I agree. It makes me really sad when I think about what has become acceptable in our society. Ahh… I could go on and on… but I know you totally get it. It makes me scared for my kids though! They are going to have to be warriors for sure, especially in regards to standing up not only for what they believe in, but for truth (which is not always the easy road). #ineedtouptheprayers haha

Andrea

I totally agree with you. Some issues are not laughing matters. It actually bothers me to watch some old black and white movies which sometimes make reference to abuse (even “I Love Lucy” jokes about it). I am sorry about your friend.

Stacy Ann

I completely agree. In my opinion, our culture laughs at abuse towards women and women don’t do anything about it. Many time guys will make rude and crude jokes and girls around them won’t stick up for themselves because they want to be liked by those guys. In reality they should just get up and walk away. This also pertains to abuse. Many times women won’t talk about it like it is a bad thing because they don’t want to be labeled as “that girl who doesn’t know how to take a joke” but it should not be a joke. Sadly as women we rather be loved than have respect when they should both go hand in hand. I’m sure if all of us women stood up we could take this world by storm.

etta

Thank you for always being so open and honest on your blog. I have never had a friend or family member suffer from abuse, but your strength is contagious and reading your posts about how you have come out of such a sad and dark place when you lost your best friend, that has helped me with other things in my life so thank you.
I saw the video also, it was just dumb, not funny, and you weren’t the only that felt weird..it bothered me too.

Heather @ From Here to There

I think this is my first comment to ever leave on your blog. I’ve been a follower of House of Rose for a few months now and stumbled onto you and your blog through your business partnership with her. I also follow you on instagram and I’m a business minded person myself, so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing your instagram posts about a new store front and the growing success of your business! I found my way onto your site just so I could read about the new space y’all found. Then I saw this post and decided to read it as well. I’ve been fortunate to not have abuse in my life. I don’t have a friend that I’ve lost due to it, I’ve never experienced it myself, yet it’s something that resonates deep within me. My heart breaks for women all over when I hear stories of physical and sexual abuse. I heard an amazing presentation at a conference by a girl who had been through an unbelievable amount of abuse as a child. She shared about the “green dot” method. Every where you see an act of potential violence, you can be the person to put a “green dot” in that spot. Instead of a “red dot” where danger or pain could occur. We can make that difference in our every day life. The example she gave was a pair of moms (with their children in tow) arguing about something in a Walmart parking lot. You could walk past it and ignore the situation (allowing a potential act of violence to occur) or you could be the “green dot” in that situation. Walk past and mention how cute their kids are (and they forget what they were even arguing about), let a security guard or cop know about the situation (so they can be alert and aware in case anything transpires)… you can always do something to alleviate the danger of violence occurring. We can choose to make a stand in every day life without having to do something BIG. There will be times where we look crazy though… because the rest of the world doesn’t see an issue in the same way, but if we can alleviate even just ONE case of violence because of our crazy, it’s worth it. If you ever do decide to do something BIG, I’d be happy to join you in the fight and if I ever decide to do something, I’ll be sure to let you know! I’m adding you to my “daily reads” on Bloglovin, I love keeping up with you and possibly the most adorable family I’ve ever seen on instagram and I’m a huge fan of House of Rose and the inspiration you both provide to women in general (not just mothers because I’m not a mother) so I have no doubt I’ll enjoy reading each and every day! :) Be a “green dot”!
-Heather @ From Here to There (www.fromheretothere-blog.com)