Survivor Literacy

Breaking the Cycles that Tried to Break Us

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Recent Posts

  • Survivor Literacy -Your story didn’t end in survival. It begins in literacy.
    Survivor Literacy emphasizes that survival is just the beginning of one’s journey. Gaining literacy is essential for understanding personal experiences, transforming survival into clarity and freedom. This shift enables individuals to comprehend their narratives and the impact of their experiences, marking the start of a more empowered story.
  • 50) Paper Trail
    The author’s mom discovers evidence of abuse, and blames and shames to make it go away.
  • 19) Presidential Fitness Test
    The Presidential Fitness Test, established in the 1950s to assess youth fitness in comparison to European peers, emphasized military-style performance. Over the years, it became associated with body shaming and emotional trauma for many, particularly those facing physical limitations. The test was abolished in 2013 after widespread criticism.
  • Survivor Literacy – You weren’t confused. You were being manipulated.
    The content emphasizes that confusion experienced by individuals is often a result of manipulation, gaslighting, and coercive tactics rather than a personal failing. It highlights the concept of “induced confusion,” asserting that clarity was deliberately targeted to destabilize perceptions, reinforcing the importance of recognizing these tactics in abusive relationships.
  • 18) High School
    The author shares experiences from high school, highlighting a strained familial relationship, particularly with their mother, over decisions like language studies and school policies. They describe friendships formed among a rebellious group, issues with attendance, and the challenges faced in a restrictive home environment, ultimately leading to feelings of isolation and disappointment.
  • Survivor Literacy – Your resilience wasn’t a compliment — it was a requirement
    The concept of resilience is reframed as a necessity for survival rather than a commendable trait. The narrative emphasizes that individuals who endure hardship do so not from choice, but from the demand to survive in harmful environments. Their strength reflects survival costs, not personal virtue.
  • 48) The One Debate Tournament I Went To
    The author describes a double standard experienced by their mother in high school, and their rebellion through sexualized behavior.
  • 17) Mallard Duck Day
    The post reflects on the author’s challenging junior high experience, highlighting key teachers who positively impacted their life. Despite struggles with social dynamics, teachers inspired confidence, fostering a love for learning. However, bullying and lack of support from administration devastated one beloved teacher, resulting in a profound sense of loss for the author.
  • Survivor Literacy – You didn’t misread the room. You read the danger.
    The post emphasizes that survivors often accurately perceive danger before others, countering the notion of “paranoia.” It advocates for “Survivor Literacy,” which recognizes these perceptions as legitimate insights rather than anxiety. The idea is that the survivor’s ability to read the environment is a skill shaped by experience, not a flaw.
  • Emic and Etic – Trauma Informed Anthropology
    Emic and Etic – Trauma Informed Anthropology I don’t have a cohort of academics to bounce ideas around with, so… Read more: Emic and Etic – Trauma Informed Anthropology
  • 47) Like a Soda Can to the Forehead
    In high school, the author struggled with social acceptance due to their obsession with facts and critical thinking, often resulting in conflicts. A notable incident involving a soda can taught them about respect and intimidation dynamics. Later, physical prowess in gym class shifted perceptions, making them resilient against bullying.
  • 16) Junior High
    The author reflects on their challenging experience in junior high, marked by a lack of family support and feelings of isolation. As their family became distant, the author faced bullying and ridicule at school. Despite moments of achievement, like performing in a musical, they struggled to find acceptance and belonging among peers.
  • Survivor Literacy – Your healing isn’t selfish. It’s generational work.
    Healing is not selfish; it’s generational work that disrupts longstanding patterns and facilitates lineage repair. This process transforms not only the individual but also opens new possibilities for those connected to them. Ultimately, healing contributes to a better future for all.
  • 46) God Forbid
    The author uses the documentary “God Forbid” to explore the manipulative dynamics of The Cult of the Ego, focusing on Giancarlo’s experiences with Rev. Jerry Falwell Jr. and the evangelical elite. It highlights how power and moral status are exploited to control young men, masking corruption while waging moral campaigns against perceived societal threats. More importantly, it provides a history of moral politics in this country, that has influenced all of us.
  • 15) Starting Over- Revisited
    The post reflects on personal experiences of childhood trauma and healing, highlighting the significance of supportive relationships, like a caring teacher during difficult times, and memorable family trips. It addresses themes of grief, resilience, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations while coping with loss and navigating adolescence.

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