#IamJada: When abuse becomes a teen meme

[iammalcolmx]

I am replying to let you know I read this article you posted. I can't imagine her bravery.

[emilyj]

I just saw this article on Thursday (I think?) This girl is tremendous. I can't even imagine the amount of courage it took her to do this.

[mrsukyankee]

I hope as more kids stand up for themselves, bystanders will start to help and see that it's a positive thing.

[cookiemdough]

Love her strength.

[forreals]

She amazes me. At more than double her age, I don't know if I could be that strong.

[Deleted]

I'm not sure I'm going to word this well but I think in addition to changing the way we teach our boys, we need to remove the stigma from women and girls who are attacked. The sooner they report, the louder they speak out, the more they refuse to be cowed, the more we will see these things address.

To be clear, I don't think rape victims are at all obligated to speak out, that they deserve whatever they get if they don't, or that it's on them to change the culture, to secure justice for themselves.

But there is no doubt that when someone has the courage to do so, especially someone so young and strong, it moves the conversation forward. God only knows how many teenagers are being affected positively by Jada's strength.

[orangeblossom]

I am so glad that she is speaking out on this horrific act.

However, I am deeply saddened that a) people stood boy and watched it happen b) people passed the pictures around like it was candy or something c) people actually made picture posing like her.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I fear for the children who have grown up with all of this technology. Being able to say and do things behind a screen takes away the harshness of doing it in real life, and they do not realize the impact of what they say and are doing.

To be honest, it's not just teens, we talk about it here all of the time, in terms of reader comments from adults.

Kids have always done dumb things, but where are we failing them that they think any of this is okay. From the assault to the aftermath. Victim shaming and blaming is nothing new, but it's taken an ugly turn, IMO. Technology makes it easier to do so.

[thejackpot]

She is amazing.

[Deleted]

LOVE this. And so amazed at the support she's getting (rightly so).

[erbear]

Good for her.

I love the part about creating a culture of empathy. That's spot on. I want my kids to see something like that and say, "I need to help that girl get out of this situation" instead of "let me get my iPhone and take a photo."