The reason the Internet is exploding over #legitimaterape right now is because every woman knows deep in her heart this feeling of shame I am writing about. I watched tonight as the donations poured in like molasses for Todd Akin’s campaign to make a measly goal of $10,000 online, and as he tweeted snippily, “A lot of negativity has been driven my way by the liberal elite. Makes me even more thankful for your support #stillstanding.” I hit refresh to see who was commenting and adding their voices to the fray. Eve Ensler. Mia Farrow. Heather B. Armstrong. Every single one of you at xoJane.

It made me so thrilled to watch as Shauna Prewitt’s post went viral yesterday as she eviscerated in her cool, gray way the reality of what it means to be a woman, and in her case a woman who got pregnant from rape. Every RT felt like a fist bump. Every share like a bear hug.

And I realized, as I observed how I felt: I am still standing, too.

We are still standing, Todd Akin.

But as you are probably realizing by now: The female body has ways of shutting you down.

8:38 pm  •  22 August 2012  •  19 notes