Day 22: Sleepover pt.1
I had an all girls slumber party last night. I just really wanted to hang out with myself. Me, myself and I lit one, made a pot of greens (delicious by the way), had sugar free chocolate pudding for dessert paired with screenings of the most interest peaking documentaries HBO Max had to offer. Oh how I treasure a good documentary— they are truly a safe space for me. Theres nothing like getting lost in the happenings of the real world.
The first in the queue was, “Four Hours at the Capitol” (Dir. Jamie Roberts) covering the experiences had Jan 6th during the Insurrection. Thanks to the modern age, everyone has the ability to produce high quality documents via their phones, bringing to the forefront an insiders perspective. I didn’t know what to expect from getting a first hand view from within a T. rally. Of course I wasn’t shocked; I was appalled. Now I typically do not use my energy to discuss Donny and his Minions, they get enough coverage. However, I just have to say that the behavior that was brought out of those grown women and men (who truly thought they were justified in their cause) was was fostered through the formation of a spiritual strong hold to a dark hearted individual. What their own hearts carried prior to, I can’t speak to. D.T. undoubtedly orchestrated the entire thing, that goes without saying. What a spectacle, watching as white people weld sheer AUDACITY. It was truly one of the most disgusting displays I have ever had the displeasure of watching. Although I was wildly entertained. I truly felt empathy for the individuals who defended the Capitol and for those who were scared for their very lives on the inside. As for the building itself, I personally was never groomed to feel any sense of pride or connection deeper than happenstance to American History and while I understand the “sacredness” of the Capitol… well, eh.. thats is all this platform has to say about that.
Secondly (and more importantly) was “Stolen Daughters: Kidnapped by Boko Haram” (Dir. Gemma Atwal). “In 2014, 276 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped from a school in Chibok, Nigeria, and hidden in the vast Sambisa Forest for three years by Boko Haram, a violent Islamic insurgent movement. A year ago, 82 of those girls were released. Stolen Daughters: Kidnapped by Boko Haram tells the story of their time in captivity and follows their lives over the past year.” You recall #Bringbackourgirls? Again, more pain, destruction and TRAUMA brought about by men who feel that their cause is justified. And even more unfortunate— by God. All the vile profanities that one would anticipate happening to a victim of kidnapping took place, but also worse. I don’t want to focus on their experience inside, they can recount the experiences better than I can. I am grateful to the Lord they made it out and my heart hurts for those who did not. However more upsetting was how they were forced to deal with their trauma after. At a press conference with the girls, a politician was speaking on their behalf talking about how happy and excited they were. A camera view of the women in their seats told a completely different story. The women were also given explicit instruction to not talk about their experiences, lest they make the country look weak —Excuse me, what? And they did not. Only in private exchanges with the documentary crew. I think about how people of color and our impeccable strength but also our profound ability to mask our pain. There was a language barrier and I relied on subtitles but I was making my greens so I fixed my focus on body language and intonation. A distressing story was not made evident unless they had reached a point of being overwhelmed and could do nothing but cry. Which was always met immediately with some antidote as to why they should be happy they got out. Even the poor woman who lost her leg to a military bomb was not given the space to emote her experience. Teflon. The Nigerian Government had provide little resources to aid in the mental recovery of majority of the survivors of Boko Haram attacks. Thankfully, independent mental health counselors have taken it upon themselves to provide as much therapy as they can. The girls themselves however were given a trip to an amusement park, a cell phone and a full ride to American University Nigeria. Where we are today with the abduction 276 Abducted, 57 Escaped, 107 Released, 112 Still Missing. I am imagining myself in their position, the world has moved on and they are still stuck. It’s not right.
I could say more but I encourage you to go watch it for yourself.
I started writing the last paragraph and I deleted it. I was going to tell you about the final screening , “15 minutes of Shame” (Prod. Monica Lewinsky & Max Joseph) that deals with Cancel Culture (an issue for sure) but I don’t want to steal attention away from our 112 still missing sisters. We’ll talk about Americas most rampant disease that later. Go join the movement. #Bringbackourgirls may not be trending anymore but fuck a trend, this shit is real.
