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mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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marcoujor: The Dish on Denim Day

4/26/2017

22 Comments

 
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​In my work as a nursing instructor, blue jeans are understandably not part of the uniform.  

As the saying goes, there is an exception to every rule, and that would be today, Wednesday, April 26th.
​

​What is Denim Day?

​“Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.”
​

How did it begin?

“The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent”

An 18-year old girl is picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor for her very first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road, pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully rapes her. Threatened with death if she tells anyone, he makes her drive the car home. Later that night she tells her parents, and they help and support her to press charges. The perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted. He is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.
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He appeals the sentence. The case makes it all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days the case against the driving instructor is overturned, dismissed, and the perpetrator released. In a statement by the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”  

This might be one of the most outrageous lines of reason ever - my heart races and my urges are unspeakable in this forum. 

Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. 

This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same, which in turn spread to Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, and Denim Day in LA was born. The first Denim Day in LA was in April 1999, and has continued every year since.

As heinous as the Chief Judge’s initial ruling was, there remains an ongoing aftermath of solidarity, strength and support for women by women.   

This year Denim Day occurs during April, which also happens to be Sexual Assault Awareness Month.​

​How will I show support?

​I’ll be wearing my jeans to work today, Wednesday, April 26th - with my lab coat, of course!

I’ve also made a donation organized, by our University’s Counseling Services, to support Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc. as they reach out to survivors of sexual assault.

There is a great website to check out: denimdayinfo.org  

To be aware is doing something. To share is doing even more.

Please do something. Thanks.

​ShoutOuts

​☙ Adapting...In A Crazy World via WarnerWords
☙ Fireside with Rolly: A new neighbor in the Weeblyhood! Via flashPress
☙ Woodcarvings of The Past via Fireside With Rolly

​Until next week, be safe and take care,

mar

(Source for this edition: 
students.ucsd.edu)
22 Comments
Mike
4/26/2017 10:12:51 am

What a terrible reason to 'have a day' Awareness is so important. And stupid judges should be (fill in the blank.)

Reply
Maria link
4/28/2017 07:18:32 am

Yes, Mike...that Chief Judge is a big _____.

Reply
Vicki link
4/26/2017 10:28:02 am

Dear Mareer,

Echoing Mike's sentiments on this, exactly. Good for you to support this worthy cause. Women have to be ever vigilant for each other - sadly still a long way to go for respect and equality in the minds of some.

Wishing you a great denim day.
Vickster

Reply
Maria link
4/28/2017 07:21:19 am

Thank you, dear Vickster - your words are supportive and kind.

Hope you're having a great week. Love, mareer

Reply
Martie link
4/26/2017 01:31:40 pm

Absolute the most outrageous thing to believe - that she helped getting rid of her jeans. Obviously the Chief Judge had no idea how easily jeans could be removed without the help of the one who is wearing it. Someone should have demonstrated this to him. But even if she did remove it herself, surely something worse must have been her only other choice.

I feel angry!

I am sure you look great wearing jeans and a lab coat, dear Mar. I wish you could worn it without negative inspiration.

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
4/28/2017 07:23:21 am

This made me angry as well, dear Martie. It's distressing when people 'judge' without using the Golden Rule.

Thanks for your visit. Love you lots, mar

Reply
Rolly link
4/26/2017 09:01:58 pm

Hi Mareer
In Canada many companies are following suit for much the same reason, call it a rebellion of sorts but they are doing so with yet another cause in mind.
Small fundraisers are popping up, of joined you are allowed to wear them for a day no matter the profession. The funds are used to support charitable organizations... Good for you and the voice you have used...

Rolly

Reply
Maria link
4/28/2017 07:25:36 am

Wonderful to see you here, dear Rolly. Thanks for sharing Canada's practice with denim days for charitable causes - sounds beautiful to me.

Your website is lovely - so happy to welcome you to the neighborhood.

Reply
Rolly link
4/29/2017 01:04:09 am

Great to be here and see so many familiar faces...

Hugs

Maria link
4/30/2017 08:27:58 am

Thanks for stopping back and have a peaceful Sunday, dear Rolly.

Reply
Peg Cole link
4/27/2017 09:27:08 am

Solidarity on this important topic is key to battling the ludicrous defenses of those who blame the victims. I'm reminded of a case where a twelve year old was brutally beaten and raped by a forty-one year old man. The perp plead guilty to a lesser crime of fondling a minor and was released after time (months) served due to motions of his attorney and evidence (semen stains and blood in his underwear) that went missing.

It's sad to me when women will not stand up for other women or aid in the dismissal of a case by slandering the reputation of those who protest against forcible brutality
https://www.scribd.com/doc/229667084/State-of-Arkansas-V-Thomas-Alfred-Taylor
I had not heard of Denim Day and I'm glad you brought this to light. Standing together we will prevail.

Reply
Maria link
4/28/2017 07:27:44 am

Your comment is filled with support, empathy and much wisdom, dear Peg.

The example you have shred is distressing on many levels.

Love and thanks for these insights, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
4/27/2017 02:36:57 pm

Dear Maria,

Thank you for bringing this worthy cause to my attention. I applaud the girl in this case for being brave and strong to tell her parents about the sexual assault. Not many of us at that age are as heroic. It's just so sad and pathetic that the rape conviction was overturned by a group of pea brains in the Italian Supreme Court. The young girl deserved so much better.

I'm one day too late to wear jeans, but starting from next year on April 26th, I will be wearing jeans on the "Denim Day." However, already today, I can be doing something by supporting victims, donating and by sharing denimdayinfo.org.
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
4/28/2017 07:37:03 am

"Pea brains" is a perfect description for the officials involved in this case, dear Sannel.

For the past 18 years, Peace Over Violence has run its Denim Day campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. I'll give you a heads up next year about when Denim Day 2018 is as I find out...

Thanks for your support. Love to you and Freddie, Maria

Reply
Michael link
4/28/2017 09:33:28 am

The idiocy of these 'judges' beggar's belief. This is go so retarded thinking and illogical. Unfortunately the world is full of stupid people in positions of power who have no clue about real life.
Wear that denim and spread the word.
Bad things happen when good people do nothing.

Reply
Maria link
4/30/2017 08:30:04 am

"Bad things happen when good people do nothing."

Thanks for your profound, wise and supportive remarks, dear Michael. Happy Sunday too.

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
5/9/2017 06:44:42 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

Thank you for sharing the info on Denim Day. I'd not heard of it before now.

It's such a difficult thing for many victims of sex crimes to come forward and identify the perps. When it ends up like the case played out in France, it only adds to the fear and discouragement of the victim.

Denim Day is a great method to shout it out for victims of sex crimes to let them know they aren't alone, and if they're in need of courage to draw from, millions of people stand with them to lend them the courage they feel short of.

Awesome post. :)

Reply
Maria link
5/11/2017 07:49:22 am

Thanks for this supportive comment, dear Ange. Raising awareness is the first step in tackling this seemingly insurmountable issue.

Hope you are having a peaceful week. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Genna East
5/14/2017 03:37:41 pm

Dear Maria...

I like the idea of "denim day," Maria, although the story behind it angered me and gave me the chills. Unimaginable legal argument/rhetoric. Correction: A complete lack of cogent, quantifiable logic. The only way to describe the verdict is "nuts." Thankfully, we live in a world wherein in many places, we can protest these actions. May these silent, pointed protests continue to haunt that Chief Justice.

Reply
Maria link
5/17/2017 09:03:25 am

I share your sentiments, dear Genna. Always good to see you when you stop by.

Hope you are having a peaceful week. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Shauna
5/26/2017 01:47:32 pm

Mar, that verdict is absolute bulls%@t! Unbelievable! Thank God awareness and fighting back has wrapped itself around the globe. I wasn't aware of Denim Day. Great cause but I'm sure the company I work for would never allow us to participate.

Reply
Maria link
5/31/2017 07:06:01 am

I knew we'd have the same reaction to this travesty, dear Sha.

Some of the more 'old school but cool' staff wore denim skirts or jackets to show their support, which I thought was lovely.

Reply



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