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 #AmINext 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. #ImNotNext #StrongIndigenous
— Sarah (@Sar_Rain) September 8, 2014
She added in another tweet:
Never ask colonial hegemony if you're next. #ImNotNext is a return to the courage, role and identity as strong indigenous peoples.
— Sarah (@Sar_Rain) September 10, 2014
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." #ImNotNext #MMIW pic.twitter.com/GbWYlwSLfK
— Ntawnis (@NtAwNiS) September 16, 2014
I am more comfortable with #ImNotNext . I will not be a vulnerable victim. I will be a empowered Native woman taking a stand
— Alannah ♡ (@xobless) September 10, 2014
Darla. "I will not be next. I choose to stand up against becoming another statistic." #ImNotNext #MMIW pic.twitter.com/OZdwQ9zNYP
— Ntawnis (@NtAwNiS) September 16, 2014
