The Penultimate Post
The one before the Final
A symphony typically consists of multiple movements. The 2nd to last segment of a symphony is commonly referred to as the “penultimate movement”. Plays have similar definitions: the 2nd to last segment is referred to as the penultimate act or scene. Therefore, I'm declaring today's post "The Penultimate Post."
Day One:
Starting on Sunday and each of the following days this week has been a segment of my response to the ludicrous and inaccurate accusations I have recently endured.
“Let us dedicate ourselves to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.
The first time I was publicly attacked for writing Paperdolls was in 1993. The book had been picked up by the national publisher and I was on live radio with Tom Barberi. Usually, my co-author and I did media junkets together. For some reason, this time, I was solo on Tom Barberi’s live radio show.
The first post, was intended to set the tone of my response. As noted in that post, I set a strong boundary and have not interacted this ill informed person. A subscriber sent me a note that someone on X said that I'm debating with this person. I have not.1
The first post showed the timeless speech by Robert Kennedy announcing the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. I noted that it would be ridiculous (the epitome of DARVO) for anyone to claim that MLK was responsible for his own murder. 2
Day Two:
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Aesop was a slave and a story teller who lived who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. Apollonius of Tyana, a 1st-century CE philosopher said of Aesop: "...he made use of humble incidents to teach great truths."[1] These truths thread through the centuries for us today.
The goal of this post was to show how we can fall prey to a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing." I used the example of the convicted child abusers, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke, to illustrate how millions of people were bamboozled by a mob mentality, professional branding, and possibly a bit of content that makes sense.
After this post, I had several inquiries on "How can you tell?" Fortunately, I'd already planned my missive about hobby researchers and shoddy investigators.
Day Three:
“Beware of Self-Appointed Experts: who anointed them anyway?”
This post is public so feel free to share it. Scientific Research: When I think of a researcher, I instantly think of my dear friend, Robert Bogden, a scientist, who was part of the team that discovered the genes causing breast cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2
The post about scientific researchers and their stunning developments was released. As noted in that post, that type of rigorous research and testing doesn't even compare with the online hobbyists who claim they are "researchers" and "investigators." I included sources for presenting legal evidence and conclusions as well as the minimum standards required of legitimate investigative journalists.
Hopefully, this information should help one tell if they are being manipulated by a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing."
Day Four:
Reporting to the Police
Paperdolls & Cowboy Boots is a reader-supported publication. To support the ongoing battle against child sex abuse please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Historically, in our country, the rights of women and children have not be on par with those of men. A well known example is that a women could not get her own credit card until 1974.
This day was dedicated to those wondering if they should report to the police. In this post, I conveyed that I can't voice an opinion on this issue, simply because it wasn't an option for me. Therefore, I used RAINN's recommendations and advice on how it is the survivor's choice if they want to pursue criminal and/or civil actions. I also provided the 2022 study about how police officers have readily dismissed survivor’s accounts. But, as RAINN states, it can be empowering for survivors to take this action. Always remember, it's your choice.
Day Five:
"Who's afraid of Little Old Me?"
“You Should Be.” I identify with Taylor's Swift's song, "Who's afraid of Little Old Me?" I understand her rage. And, I love watching the recordings of the live concerts where thousands of voices sing along with her. "The song cleverly and metaphorically addresses the rumors, …
Day 5 conveyed a snippet of my unmitigated rage. More on that, in the finale. In short, I identify with Taylor Swift's "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" and how this song "metaphorically addresses the rumors, false accusations, and negative media portrayals she has endured over her career."
Today, Day 6
Today, is the 2nd to last post, The Penultimate Post, about my response to the damaging and ridiculous attacks I've recently suffered. Please know, it took me awhile to process my emotions3 to get to a place recommitting to to do my part to love and offer support to those suffering. And, deepening my resolve to help survivors of sexual assault. I know we can unite with “love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, feeling of justice toward those who still suffer….”
With that said, don't let DARVO scare you. Learning about DARVO is one of the most empowering ways to combat it. Please use caution with whom you follow online. Remember it's your choice if you want to notify the police. And, anger can be healthy, just don't stay in that state for too long.
Tomorrow's post will be the finale. It will be for paid subscribers only because it will be much more personal and from my heart. Speaking of my heart, thank you for all the heartfelt and outraged messages. And, always I am so grateful for the prayers of support. Thank you.
As mentioned in Sunday's Post, I won't caste my pearls before swine.
Strangely, I finished my writing and then scheduled the post to drop early Sunday morning. Later that night, I heard that there was an assassination attempt on former President Trump's life.
My processing was similar to the stages of the sections in Paperdolls & Cowboy Boots--only my processing was quicker.