FRAGILE: delicate, feeble, frail, weak?

This week all across America people were tuned-in to the a hearing  with a Federal Judge, seeking appointment to the  U.S. Supreme Court, and  a woman who has accused him of sexual assault.  I am not going to relay those 9 hours of testimony. I am going to address my feelings on a broadcaster’s description of the woman, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

Dr. Ford was referred to as “fragile.”

Soft-spoken and with great emotion she began her testimony to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee by saying she did not want to be there and that she was terrified, but after hiding the attempted rape for 36 years, she felt it was her civic duty to come forward. The appointment of this judge to the highest court in our land is for his lifetime.

Anyone who has experienced sexual assault, feared rape and possibly death, then comes forward to tell her story on National television and in front of this Committee can never, in my opinion, be considered fragile! It took bravery, courage and strength. I find that reference insensitive and offensive to her and all other sexual assault victims, and women in general.

Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.

Napolean Bonaparte

Her testimony was heart-wrenching, passionate and honest. The strength and courage she demonstrated was incredible. She is not delicate, feeble, frail, and weak,

Her life has been forever changed. Hopefully she and her family will be able to restore some semblance of a normal life.  I wish her well and hope it was not in vain. Thank you for your bravery and patriotism, Dr. Ford.