Team, there is something weighing on me.
It’s that of trigger warnings.
On one hand, I know what it’s like to feel triggered by something. It can be really tough and knock you around.
On the other hand, I wonder whether trigger warnings become their own way of censoring storytelling.
Stories that need to be told potentially aren’t for fear of offending or being “too much”. There can be a deep sense of shame attached to having a story that’s not easy to hear and certainly not easy to tell.
For me personally, I share a lot. But there are some things that I don’t because I’m not ready.
As one example, I follow a lot of birth photography pages and have seen many, many, many very triggered people there. And it’s not a bad thing to be triggered. That’s your response. But I think instead of attacking other people for choosing not to attach a trigger warning, it’s usually a good time to turn inwards for some loving care and access support that isn’t the internet. A mama who just wants to share her story of a fourth degree tear should be able to without feeling like there isn’t space for her. Or that this isn’t the time or place.
Take sexual assault for another example. The stats are deplorable. It’s now looking closer to 1 in 2-3 women who experience sexual assault, harassment, abuse, “bad sex” or any other unwanted sexual experience. These stories are already censored for a variety of reasons. Does a trigger warning for each of these stories throw some more red tape around? Do we start to have compassion fatigue? Oh, not this bloody #metoo thing again?! My personal opinion is this: it can do.
So, what’s the point of this little rant?
I have been placing trigger warnings on some of my posts in this membership. Especially surrounding sexual abuse, domestic violence and birth trauma.
But - most of the time, it’s felt really “off” for me. This is my story. It’s not for shock value. It’s real. It happened. It’s my hope that I write with purpose and reason. Sharing may help one person feel less alone. A trigger warning makes it feel especially heavy. Like maybe it shouldn’t be said. I want to speak without that weight.
And I don’t want any red tape choking my words.
I hope that’s okay with you. From now on, I won’t be doing that.
You can safely assume that I’ll be tackling some tough topics at times and if you don’t have space to read about them, it’s okay to take a break. I will understand.
Consider this a blanket trigger warning.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
All love,
Zelma
