Dr. Larry Nassar, physician for United States Olympics and Michigan State University, pleaded guilty in November 2017 to sexual molestation of female gymnasts over more than 10 years, some as young as 13. In the final stages of his trial, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina allowed the victims, numbering well over 150, to give personal impact statements in the courtroom, a process that took over five days as young-women victims came forward.
As each woman spoke, she looked directly at her tormentor and said things like, “You are learning that kids grow up to be strong women who can destroy your world.” “I used to consider myself a victim, but now I am a survivor.” “We are the voice. We have the power now.” “We are a force and you are nothing.” “How dare you ask any of us for forgiveness?”
From a coping perspective, the victim-impact statements were remarkable examples of l courage, honesty, confidence, channeled anger, and empowerment. The young women proved to be perfect examples of what it means to cope with adversity. Note how they used their anger in socially-acceptable, civilized, self-assured, and forceful ways. They unleashed their anger at Nassar by being assertive, by standing toe-to-toe with him, and demonstrating that they were the better party.
I like to think that these young women were the products of a society that—beginning in the last 30 years of the 20th century—modified its view of women as a group largely subservient to the whims of men, to a group with high achievement motivation, and capable of independent action, leadership, military service, rugged athletics, and many more activities previously considered more appropriate for men. Today, however, we find ourselves 25 years into the 21st century, and in the midst of some men who offer a view of women that reverts to 50 years ago. Fueled by their fragile and insecure ego, these men argue that the appropriate role for women in society should once again stress sensitivity, emotionality, passivity, and dependence—in short, they want women barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. Fortunately, strong, assertive, competitive women models for little girls—like those abused gymnasts—abound in today’s society. I can only hope that parents will encourage their daughters to identify with those models, and not buy into the narrative of yesteryear.
Psychology and Stress 