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| three young women learn that acid attacks don't define them |
"He warned me that if I left him, he would hunt me down. He was going to shoot me. He was going to paralyze me. He was going to throw acid on my face."
This woman, Nicole Beverly, was interviewed by the Huffington Post about her abusive husband. Unlike thousands of other women in the world, she was able to escape her partner before the abuse got out of hand. According to the BBC, about 1,500 acid attacks occur every year worldwide. However, much more go undetected. Attacks range from disputes between relatives and other close people, to just being too beautiful or handsome.
"It's not a knife attack, it's not a gun attack, it's an acid attack-- we don't want to kill you, but we want to humiliate you."
This is what a former gang member, Jermaine Lawlor said. There has been an increase in acid attacks in numerous gangs across the United States. Not only is it painful physically, it is humiliation. Imagine our society, the one where teenage girls aspire to be magazine models. Models with perfect figures, thick hair, and a beautiful face. Now imagine being in this society, with a face that is melted off, you can only see through one eye, there are remnants of the trails of acid that has seared through your flesh forever, like a tattoo. Your pride and confidence gone as people stare, knowing that once you were "normal." According to multiple articles, including this CNN article, Young teenagers are hit with acid, making them the victims of depression and often suicide.
Albeit, these victims should not be humiliated. The criminals who have done these immoral acts should be the ones embarrassed. Yes, there are laws against these attacks; however, what's the use when criminals still do it and get away with it? In many places you can easily purchase acid in local markets. Something needs to be done to enforce the rules to stop these horrendous attacks.
Sources: Huffington Post, CNN, BBC, International Business Times, Safe Horizon
I completely agree that this is an issue that needs to be talked about and combated. I liked how you weaved it with the other issue of the perception of beauty in young girls. I am always shaken to see the numbers of these horrendous cases and realized that they are only a portion of the many that are unreported. I would just mention that you had a couple minor grammar errors but I greatly enjoyed your voice in your writing.
ReplyDeleteI agree that rules involving acid attacks should be enforced in order to protect young girls like those that you talked about in your blog. However, it is hard for America to do much about such events without the approval and support of these international societies because the U.S. can't forcefully go into another country. This could start a major conflict if not a war between the United States and all of the countries around the world involving acid attacks. I really like your blog post though because it is interesting and informing. I really like how you involved quotes like professional magazines do.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is shown to be very heartbreaking and thought provoking. Your tone really helps address the issue and it shows your passion. I really like the information you provide because it supports your argument very well. In addition the quotes you provide make your blog post even more intriguing. Personally I am very proud you have chosen this topic because topics like these are not address very often due to it's sensitivity. One thing I must say is you should speak more about your side of the issue. I do know where you stand, but because it's a blog is should be a little more personal. Great job Joan!
ReplyDeleteWow! This topic is really tough and something needs to be done. I agree completely that more enforcement is needed to stop these hideous attacks and to help victims of these attacks. I had no idea acid attacks were happening in the Untied States. The public deserves to know more about acid attacks and more needs to be done to stop future attacks on people.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a tragic thing that happened. I liked your tone throughout the piece and you made me feel connected to the three girls and what they must have gone through. Not only humiliation but depression as well. How many countries do you think this has happened in so far? I really enjoyed this article as well check it out! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/acid-attacks-women-india_n_4220712.html
ReplyDeleteYou post seems to have really struck a chord with people. Very enlightening and interesting.
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