Dearest E. Jean Carroll,
Twenty years. Two thousand years. A moment in our transitory life, a single blink in the universe. Your 2000 words still reverberate across the canyons of time as I write this in 2024; they are a profound tapestry weaved with humor, tenderness, and an unwavering quest for truth.
The “Letter to a Predator” you published in Elle Magazine struck like lightning. It pierced the skillfully erected façade of privilege and power, shedding light on the shadowy areas where abuse festers. With your sharp humor and steadfastly honest words, you, E. Jean Carroll, gave voice to a chorus of voiceless women. As the survivors, we recognized ourselves in your words, our anguish acknowledged, our rage justified.
However, this goes beyond a single instance that occurred at a posh department shop in Manhattan. It’s about the sneaky power structures that demean and silence people. It’s about the fabric of cultural norms that cover women, suppressing their autonomy and limiting their voices. It’s about the boldness of people who think they can take advantage of the weak
E. Jean, you chose not to be a helpless victim. You cut through the layers of cultural gaslighting and denial with your writing like a sword. You demanded accountability with a steely resolution and a razor-sharp wit that left no room for ambiguity, not with poisonous wrath. You refused to allow the incident to fade into the murky region of “he said, she said.”
And the impact of your struggle is still felt. Even if it’s still in its infancy, the #MeToo movement is grateful for your courage. Numerous women were able to emerge from the shadows, take back their stories, and demand justice because of the path you.
But there are glimmers of optimism among the gloom. The discussions that your letter started still go on. Legal reform is underway, however slowly. As survivors begin to speak forward, the chorus of encouragement is becoming more and more audible.
I am very grateful to you, dear E. Jean, as I read your comments from the other side of time. I appreciate your bravery, humor, and persistent devotion to the truth. We appreciate you reminding us that achieving justice is a journey, not a sprint. And we are grateful that you have illuminated the path for us to follow as your daughters and carry on the battle.
Your message serves as a beacon in the storm, reminding us that justice is a vital salve, truth is indelible, and flame
Further Reading:
- E. Jean Carroll’s Elle Magazine article “Letter to a Predator”: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/style/ejean-carroll-fired-elle.html
- The #MeToo Movement: https://metoomvmt.org/stay-informed/in-the-news/
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: https://www.rainn.org/about-rainn
Additional Resources:
- The Joyful Warrior: https://www.facebook.com/thejoyfulwarrior/
- The Red Tent: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3617.Diana_Gabaldon
- The Body is Not an Apology: https://www.sonyareneetaylor.com/the-body-is-not-an-apology
Remember, E. Jean’s story is one of many. By sharing our own stories, supporting survivors, and demanding accountability, we can weave a tapestry of justice that extends far beyond the confines of a single letter. Let us honor her courage by continuing the fight, one voice at a time.
