Notes from Palessa

  Image created by AuthorPalessa/ Leonardo AI According to  a survey , between 2013 and 2022, recorded rapes in Japan were 1.66 per thousand, while the number of reported  "forcible indecencies" were 4.7 per thousand.  Those stats need more context, so here's the story. While both of those stats are increases, they are significantly lower than many countries, such as the US and others in Europe which are at least 30x higher. However, Japan's history of sexual violence against women is common to the point where it's embedded in the culture. We're talking about sexual harassment, domestic violence, molestation...the list goes on. But you wouldn't know it, especially since their justice system boasts a more than 90% conviction rate.  The truth is, acts of sexual violence have a level of impunity in the society. As a result, too many cases go unreported.  Stand for Something- No Apologies  This plays into the misleading narrative of Japan being a country ...

When I was a kid in Miami. we had family come and visit. I grew up in a simple two bedroom/one bathroom home in a duplex.  It was my home. When my aunt came, I had to share a bed with her. As a teen, I hated being uncomfortable in my own home, but I loved my aunt and it was temporary.  The next time, I was older and was in the honors program, I was studying until all hours, so I needed my space. I didn't share my room, and someone slept on the couch. Sharing my room is temporary, but my parents were mindful about privacy and respect. If I had a problem, I could tell them. That was the relationship we had. When you have a blended family, family drama is inevitable, especially when the word "entitlement" comes into the conversation.  When I read this reddit AITA post, it hit me on many levels. I shared it with my dad, and he had a few things to say. Here's the story: Image generated by AuthorPalessa/ Leonardo AI So I (f16) live with my dad since he and my mom split up a...