Akin is Not Unique

Donald D’Haene, writing for The Huffington Post, on “As a Rape Survivor, You Get Used to Stupid Remarks Like Akin’s“:

Todd Akin’s ridiculous declaration on the serious crime of rape has created a justifiable uproar. Rape victims everywhere have experienced similar insensitive, nonsensical remarks. Count on it. But no one can top the comments of the man who sexually assaulted me for a period of 11 years.

Like you Donald, I’ve been public with my own experiences and now write for the Good Men Project on the topic in addition to publishing pieces elsewhere on sexual violence. Of course, I also talk about it on my own syndicated blog in this category:

https://jameslandrith.com/tag/sexual-violence/

I understand the need to take a break and back down from an issue. I know my limits. My silence at times is not complicity, but self-preservation. Unfortunately, some people who like to discuss this topic without firsthand knowledge, don’t understand our limitations and are quick to criticize.

Walk a mile in our shoes first. Until then, understand that at times we NEED to talk and at other times we NEED to shut the hell up.