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Fear is a physiological reaction. The tightness in my chest. The thickness in my throat. I'm 'safe' behind a computer screen, but I'm only as 'safe' as other people choose to let me be.
I've never been physically threatened for speaking out. I've never been stalked or hunted. The worst I've had to cop is textual abuse and rants, fannish shunning, and social backbiting.
But the possibility always exists, and given how my body is kicking into 'flight' mode when all I've done is link to something that certain groups will find offensive because it challenges their comfort zones, fear is a pretty effective tool at keeping people quiet.
I hate being afraid. But my throat is clogged anyway.
I've never been physically threatened for speaking out. I've never been stalked or hunted. The worst I've had to cop is textual abuse and rants, fannish shunning, and social backbiting.
But the possibility always exists, and given how my body is kicking into 'flight' mode when all I've done is link to something that certain groups will find offensive because it challenges their comfort zones, fear is a pretty effective tool at keeping people quiet.
I hate being afraid. But my throat is clogged anyway.
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