It took a long time, but I prefer 'victim' to 'survivor' now. I don't want to diminish the gravity of what happened. I don't want to pretend I'm on some triumphant, uplifting journey. I don't want to pretend that everything is okay. I'm living with what happened, moving forward without forgetting, moving forward without pretending I am unscarred.
In her memoir "Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body," Roxane Gay reflects on her experiences with trauma and the complexities of identity. She expresses a preference for the term 'victim' over 'survivor,' emphasizing the significance of acknowledging the severity of her past rather than framing it as a triumph. Gay seeks authenticity by rejecting the notion that she has completely overcome her struggles.
This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing the lasting impact of trauma. Gay highlights that moving forward does not equate to erasing pain or pretending to be free from its effects. Instead, she embraces her scars and the reality of her journey, advocating for a more honest discourse about survival and healing.
