While writing my last ‘words I don’t like‘ post which specifically targets the words ‘content’ and ‘influencer’, I was simultaneously playing Paris Hilton’s new documentary in the background.
Because as an Artist, there’s nothing I appreciate better than a proper contradiction.
I don’t really know anything about Paris Hilton. She falls into the media abyss where my ordinary reaction is to turn my head and plug my ears… as I’ve been discussing on this blahg since it fired up close to eleven years ago.
I think Paris is brave for addressing her trauma. That’s my major takeaway. It also completely triggered me, and I personally related to her struggle. Not because I went to a boarding school that physically, mentally and sexually abused girls… because I was physically, mentally and sexually abused by the NYPD during an incident of police brutality back in April 2014.
Paris has never mentioned her abuse until now, and neither have I. I wrote a short story about it in May 2014, but I was terrified of lawyers (who ended up fucking me over) and shunned by society because this was before everyone was running around calling the NYPD out for what they are; the way that’s happening today (shout out).
When Paris talked about being naked in the shower and the disgusting men at the school watching her, it reminded me of being half naked on the ground, with my hands cuffed behind my back, while four male officers kicked the shit out of me.
They did this after two other officers approached me, in front of my apartment, on a night where I locked my keys inside and was trying to get back in. This happened when I had nothing on but a tiny t-shirt having been on my way to bed. I’ll say it again, naked from the waist down.
Initially, two cops rocked up, asked no questions, and immediately attacked me. A man double my size held me down while a girl with hair a colour similar to Paris tazed me seven times.
Seven times.
The weapon they used on me was actually banned that year because it was killing too many people. It was a Taser X26, you can read about it here.
One thing overlooked in This is Paris is her privilege, and I’m not saying that to be a bitch. I believe she’s a genuine person, no doubt. Judging by my NYPD assault, I understand how hard it is to come out about being abused in a situation where you have no control, particularly as a woman.
However, I would have liked to have heard Paris say once in the documentary (just once) that she’s grateful for the opportunities bestowed to her because she comes from a tribe of billionaires. I think not mentioning that was a bit disingenuous, but I also believe it was a legitimate oversight coming from someone who, whilst having suffered immense trauma, was born into a lifetime of security regardless of how many perfumes you put out or shows you play.
I admire Paris being courageous and speaking up, and I admire all of the other girls who went to her school who are starting to speak up.
I’m starting to speak up too. But without a billionaire great grandfather, I’m not sure how many people will actually hear me.
If you read my review Paris, congratulations on what you created. I was happy to hear that what you shared was therapeutic after holding it in for so long. I cried like five times and would definitely recommend others to experience the story. Not to learn about your life, to get an honest picture of a survivor dealing with the aftermath of disgusting men, and women, abusing other human beings and taking away their rights. Real trauma.
Also, I too like dogs better than people. Full stop.