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In print | October 2, 2008

To the Editor:

I would first of all like to commend the work of all those who organized and participated in the Clothesline Project. I recognize that the Project, along with the Handprint Project and the White Ribbon Project, has helped empower many survivors and enabled them to give voice to their experiences. 

I, however, am a survivor, and as a survivor felt pressured and alienated during the ten days of this project and preceding days of publicity. Everywhere I turned — every dorm, every bathroom, Sharples, in front of Parrish, on a student’s shirt during seminar — I was forced to confront my assault. I feel that the barrage of flyers and ribbons removed my safe space to not think about my assault, to cope with it (or not) in my own way, in my own time, and in my own space (as opposed to in public, at every class, and at every meal).  

I also felt that as one choosing not to be part of the survivor community that I was somehow doing something wrong — that those involved in the Project were handling their experiences the way one should and since I wasn’t doing it that way I was clearly not doing the right thing. Though I’m sure that wasn’t the purpose, the intended advocacy of the Project felt normative to me. It certainly made me feel more alone. 

I understand the intent and the largely positive effects of the Project and again commend those involved.  I, however, call on them to understand and respect that there are those of us out there who have experienced sexual misconduct and do not feel that this Project is how we wish to express or confront those experiences. I would ask for the committee to think of ways to make the Project less pervasive in every corner of campus life. I understand the worthy goal of raising awareness, but I ask the committee to consider at what cost it comes. 

Anonymous ’09

Editor’s Note: This anonymous letter was published at the discretion of The Phoenix Editorial Board.

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