Amanda Jon Whitlow

After seeing so much coming back up about the Cornell 7 and just existing in society and never meeting someone this hasn’t happened to, it can feel so disheartening.

I made this bag at a time I was at an all time low. I was being harassed for speaking out about a group of local people. I needed to channel all of those feelings into something. I normally won’t create when feeling distressed. I ended up dreaming up this bag and felt like it could cure some of those feelings and be my medicine at a time I absolutely needed it the most.

I don’t dwell on the past too much, but I also don’t forget when people treat me badly and choose to draw lines in the sand. I have better tools in my toolbox these days. Shoutout to years of trauma therapy.

I wish I could protect everyone in this world and never let another person’s autonomy be taken away in such violent and sadistic ways.

I know I seemed wild to some for getting so vocal, but when you hear and experience so many stories similar, especially repeat stories of the same dudes, any normal human should have a breaking point. It would be weird to just shrug every story off and not have a reaction.

I also met a lot of really wholesome and sweet people during that time. A lot of support I didn’t expect. A lot of support I lost and didn’t expect. But I know I’ll always be on the right side of history and not let harm happen to those in my circle or me.

That’s real community. You can use buzzwords and try to pretend your community isn’t bad or flawed, but when so many people have came out about the same people, maybe it’s time to sit and think. Take action. Change something.

Are we all apart of some huge conspiracy theory trying to ruin lives? Or does a deep societal change need to happen to ensure we all are protected, not being r*ped, and loving each other truly?

I’ll never quit thinking education on these topics, curing ppl’s p*rn addictions, and learning how to truly care for others around us by respecting boundaries isn’t a solid start. Teaching consent should be priority.

Pouring so much love, tenderness, and care back into anyone who has ever been a survivor of inhumane behavior at the hands of another. ❣️🫂