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The Most Important Performance Of The Grammys Wasn't Even Music. It Was This Woman's Moving Speech.
The goosebumps I got when I watched this live... So many of us know a domestic violence or rape survivor, or are one ourselves. This moment in popular culture was a huge win for all of us.
02.09.15
Read the beginning of her speech below:
"My name is Brooke Axtell, and I am a survivor of domestic violence. After a year of passionate romance with a handsome, charismatic man, I was stunned when he began to abuse me. I believed he was lashing out because he was in pain and needed help. I believed my compassion could restore him and our relationship. My empathy was used against me. I was terrified of him and ashamed I was in this position. What bound me to him was my desire to heal him. My compassion was incomplete because it did not include me. When he threatened to kill me, I knew I had to escape. I revealed the truth to my mom, and she encouraged me to seek help at a local domestic violence shelter. This conversation saved my life."
Thank you, Brooke Axtell.
Of course, while it's great that the Grammys gave such a massive platform to an issue this important during the show and not during a commercial break (I'm looking at you, NFL), the moment was not without some hypocrisy. Many people on Twitter were quick to point out that Chris Brown, R. Kelly, and Eminem — all of whom have a history of violence against women — were nominated for awards this year.
On the bright side, at least they had to sit in the audience and hear her message. We can only hope they'll finally listen. And maybe next year, the Grammys won't be quite so hypocritical. Words are great, but they're even better when backed up by action. Because when the president says #ItsOnUs, Grammys, that includes you.