Bystander

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 19:08 -- dkaur

Locations

1964. Kitty Genovese. 28.
Raped and killed while her neighbors did nothing.
Her blood left a scuffing.
2009. Jane Doe. 15.
Raped by ten guys at a homecoming dance while several class mates laughed and joked. 
2012. Damini. 23.
Raped on a bus by six men, the public watched.
Women treated like they're objects that have been bought.
Told not to go out at night, don't wear clothes too short or too tight.
You don't want to be sight of attraction or you'll be called a slut.
And if you get the reputation of a slut then all opportunities are shut.
We're either sluts or saints. Thats the only image we can paint, right?
Told that we always need a knight.
Daughters given all these talks on how not to get raped and sons?
Oh wait that conversation never takes place.
Music portrayingo us as sex toys, 
Using language like fuck, bang, smash,
something you can just buy with cash.
Comedians making jokes on how much women complain,
how we're a pain because Jay-Z got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one.
Yes, I'm poking fun, at this society, who has let this damage be done.
Being the bystanders of every abuse, and rape that was ever committed.
Because we have omitted this subject for too long.
Blaming the woman when she is molested, and focusing on her as the suspect, because who cares if the real one gets arrested.
Looking the other way or looking too late.
Believing that there are good and bad people in this world
but as long as you're not part of the bad people, your work is done.
Everything else that happens, you can just shun.
The bystander effect.
Where you neglect, to help out, no matter how much they shout, cry, fight,
hoping you can be their light,
hearing the pitful moans, and yet another victim gets wounded and torn.
Standing in the crowd but never leaving a mark.
While the mark of death takes effect on another female's spirit.
What do you have to do with it?
Nothing ventured nothing gained, the true mark of a bystander's claim to fame.

    

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