Comments for AspenBaker's Blog

Comment on About Rape by Aspen Baker

Aspen Baker — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:01:10 +0000

That’s so interesting Jennifer. I don’t remember a time when I’ve ever been actively afraid in Oakland, or anywhere else for that matter. Its not so much a fear thing for me as decisions I’ve made about what is safe for me and what is not. And, definitely after working rape-crisis, there are many things I’ve just eliminated from my life, and I’ve trained myself to be hyper-vigilant of my surroundings all the time.

Comment on About Rape by Jennifer Chien

Jennifer Chien — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:33:31 +0000

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and a way to take action.

I walk alone at night in certain parts of Oakland without fear, because statistically speaking, a woman is more likely to be raped by people she knows than a complete stranger off the street.

So, sadly, as noted in your blog, perhaps the ones we should watch out for are the ones we already know, rather than fearing the night.

Comment on About Rape by Julie

Julie — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:19:52 +0000

Thank you for this powerful, insightful, and clear call to action. I wish I was going to be in town for tonight’s vigil at RHS. Time to organize Take Back the Night at Lake Merritt, old-school!

Comment on I Was Wrong by Jen

Jen — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:14:26 +0000

Aspen, thank you for taking the bold step to bring to the surface the various ways in which women experience abortion. Laughing “with” them really embodies the pro-voice message of Exhale. Hmmmmm….does anyone have Handler’s email address????

Comment on I Was Wrong by Julie

Julie — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:42:45 +0000

Aspen,
This is brilliant and insightful. Thank you for drawing the very important distinction between humor that further marginalizes women’s experiences, and that which is centered on (and told BY) women themselves. I appreciate your clarity. And, I really look forward to the day when Handler or Cho would take on such a project in support of Exhale’s mission!

Comment on Open Letter to Irene Vilar, “Abortion Addict” by Kirsten Moore

Kirsten Moore — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:49:44 +0000

Thanks Aspen – as always for grappling with the toughest issues through a nonjudmental lens. I’m still struggling with what this story tells us. Not least because I have yet to read the book and so don’t really understand Irene’s motivations. But because she is unwilling to own her story for understandable reasons, others will. And that can’t be a good thing.

Comment on Open Letter to Irene Vilar, “Abortion Addict” by Rona

Rona — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:20:52 +0000

Thanks Aspen. Your letter demonstrates very well what Exhale is all about. I wonder how the editor(s) and author decided on the title of the book–and how much the author wanted that subtitle in the first place? It seems like the book is about much, much more than abortion, but for some reason that’s the way it was framed. Interesting.

Comment on Open Letter to Irene Vilar, “Abortion Addict” by Tara

Tara — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:30:43 +0000

Aspen,

Your letter is truly needed at this time. You acknowledge that while you’re still unsure about Irene’s motives, intent, etc., you won’t deny her own truth and her/story. By doing this, you’ve reshaped the conversation and contributed to a collective consciousness that says “Yes, it’s okay to speak up. No matter what.” You continue to let women know they can reclaim their stories and call out “the single story” others perpetrate in the name of ideology.

Brava.

Comment on Exhale Honors Volunteer Jan with 2nd Annual Rachel Falls Compassion Award by Susan

Susan — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:41:28 +0000

Thank you Jan for all of your efforts on behalf of men and women sorting through all of their feelings about abortion. the world is a better place because of your attention, care and passion.

Comment on Exhale Honors Volunteer Jan with 2nd Annual Rachel Falls Compassion Award by Anne

Anne — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:14:19 +0000

Thank you Jan, for helping so many people.