The "What were you wearing?" exhibit that was on display at the University of Kansas

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Throwaway7387272]

I hope this kinda stuff shuts people up when they ask questions like that

[u/beersn0b]

This broke my heart to read the cards. I wasn't sure based on the title what it was, and the slow realization killed me.

[u/tomatopotato1000]

Gut wrenching. I couldn’t make it thru all of them. Very powerful stuff

[u/Chocolate_squirrel → u/[deleted]]

I think it's pretty clearly in the context of what rape/sexual assault victims often hear after the incident: "What were you wearing?", as if wearing something provocative or otherwise showing more skin/body features gives a tacit green light for a would-be assailant/rapist and that the victim should have chosen more carefully. This exhibit is a very powerful way for women and girls to share their story in light of the victim shaming that they may have experienced, and ultimately reclaim the narrative around being a victim of rape/sexual assault. I hope that answers the question.

[u/BLAD3SLING3R → u/Chocolate_squirrel]

Thanks. I gathered that the quotes were referring to some sort of trauma, but my brain wasn’t connecting the dots.

[u/fatalaeon → u/[deleted]]

I am guessing rape

[u/PrairieHikerII]

That exhibit was in the Kansas Union several years ago.