I'm sick of my extreme liberal friends posting online about strangers rape cases but saying nothing when women are raped by men in their communities.

For what it's worth, I'm sorry that's happened to you. And it's unfortunate those people have been so shitty. You have every right to be angry.

I used to land on that side of left. I have Bipolar Disorder and got involved with non-profit and charity work about a decade ago or so, trying to help other mentally ill and disadvantaged people find their way. I quickly learned that a majority of those chest-beaters with the bullhorns are people to be avoided. Everyone is real fucking brave when they're behind a keyboard or surrounded by hundreds of people who are on their side...not so much when they have to make good or right decisions behind closed doors.

It's the exact same holier than thou posturing that the Evangelical right engages in - talking a big game about love, compassion, and kindness while they throw stones and throw people under the bus.

The kind of behavior you're describing is sadly typical.

I hope you find some peace, happiness, and justice. Be forewarned, be wary of people who say, "it's your job to stand up for this." Because it's very likely that none of those are going to be anywhere to be found if you lose your job, or family members, or friends, or have your life disrupted. They usually just shrug and say, "Well what do you want me to do about it?" I've seen it happen to people regularly. Some activist gasses someone up to stand up and fight for themselves when they don't have a safe place to stay and the victim winds up getting the shit kicked out of them or kicked out of their home.

Don't let them pressure you to do something you don't want to do, whether that's continuing to push for justice or trying to move on with your life.

Personally, I avoid all of the chest-beaters, and I cut the ones I associated with out of my life. It taught me that most people are not good or evil, they're self-interested and selfish, most interested in their own emotional masturbation. Hypocrisy is the norm.

I spent a good few years deeply unhappy and angry about that. Wasn't really worth anything though, because it's highly unlikely they're going to change.

You do what's right for you. Leave the people who aren't supportive or sympathetic behind.

/r/offmychest Thread