BRUTALITY IS DEFINITELY NOT ACCEPTABLE

Certain phrases excite and alarm me. That is, when I hear them, I respond as if I have smelled gas escaping in a closed room. Without having to think of my next move, if I am not hemmed in, I make my way toward the handiest exit. If I cannot escape, however, I react defensively.

“Don’t mind me, I’m brutally frank.” That is always a summons to arms.

I recognize the timid sadist who would like to throw a stone and hide her hand or, better, who would like not only to wound but to be forgiven by the soon-to-be-injured even before the injury.

Well, I do mind brutality in any of its guises, and I will not be lured into accepting it merely because the brute asks me to do so.

“I hope you won’t take this the wrong way…” is another bell ringer for me.

I sense the mealy-mouthed attacker approaching so if I cannot flee, I explain in no uncertain voice if there is even the slightest chance that I might take a statement the wrong way, be assured that I will do so. I advise the speaker that it would be better to remain silent than to try to collect the speaker’s bruised feelings, which I intend to leave in pieces scattered on the floor.

I am never proud to participate in violence, yet I know that each of us must care enough for ourselves to be ready and able to come to our own self-defense.

Maya Angelou