A new social media campaign is taking a tougher approach about missing and murdered aboriginal women, choosing not to ask #AmINext, but declare instead #ImNotNext.
Sarah Rainville says she wanted to refocus the messaging of the social media campaign that began earlier this month. It saw dozens of aboriginal women posting photos of themselves holding signs reading "#AmINext," to ask whether they would be the next woman to suddenly disappear or be murdered.
Rainville writes in a series of tweets and Facebook posts that the problem with the #AmINext question is that it suggested that becoming a victim was inevitable.
Asking "am I next?" creates an expectation; saying we're Inherently rapeable/killable. Say no to victimhood.
鈥� Sarah (@Sar_Rain)
She added in another tweet:
Never ask colonial hegemony if you're next. is a return to the courage, role and identity as strong indigenous peoples.
鈥� Sarah (@Sar_Rain)
Last week, Rainville posted a picture of herself on her Facebook page holding an #ImNotNext sign and explained in the comments that she would not remain a victim or encourage a culture of victimhood.
Several other women have since latched on the #ImNotNext message, posting similar pictures and thoughts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
"I will not be next. Let's continue to raise awareness & send prayers. We matter too."
鈥� Ntawnis (@NtAwNiS)
I am more comfortable with . I will not be a vulnerable victim. I will be a empowered Native woman taking a stand
鈥� Alannah 鈾� (@xobless)
Darla. "I will not be next. I choose to stand up against becoming another statistic."
鈥� Ntawnis (@NtAwNiS)
