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Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 1999. Print.

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The importance of this story on the Real World

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The importance of this story on the Real World

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In the world today there are many victims going through the same trauma and dealing with it the same way Melinda does. She remains silent, feeling foolish and that no one will believe her. She becomes very isolated and alone, and realizes almost too late that the only way she can end this pain is by speaking up, and I think this is a lesson all people need to know. There are victims of sexual assault in the world, some you may even know. If you try to keep your situation to yourself, it will only fester and grow worse. If you speak up, people know what's going and they can help aid you. It's a real issue. It's not stupidity or foolishness. This lesson needs to also be taught to the listeners: if someone says they've been sexually assaulted, believe them. Being accused of lying only furthers their loneliness and guilt. Come to their aid, help them heal, so we can all live in a happier world capable of being healed.

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Characterization of Melinda through Symbolism

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Characterization of Melinda through Symbolism

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Poster of Maya Angelou, Mirrors, Trees, Lips, Irony present with Symbolism: The Scarlet Letter

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1. Coming of Age
2. Communication
3. Appearance
4. Isolation
5. Trauma

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2014 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational

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Anna Binkovitz - "Asking For It" (CUPSI 2014)

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Subscribe to Button! New video daily: http://bit.ly/buttonpoetry If you loved this poem, check out Briana Zora Libby: http://bit.ly/1nrNXF0 Anna Binkovitz of Macalester College, performing during prelims at the 2014 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational.

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A short playlist of videos that Melinda would watch

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A short playlist of videos that Melinda would watch

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In the book Speak, Melinda's past experience with rape is the main driving force of the entire book. The videos below both contribute to rape culture in America. These are examples of poems and messages that Melinda would also agree with-- something she wishes she could say. The video on the left contributes to her wishing that "No" was listened to. It includes all the beliefs the Melinda would hold strongly. On the right, there is two speakers who talk about how they were never taught what to do if rape were to happen to them. "One Color" is a video that would resonate with Melinda because in the event, she did not know what to do. No one ever taught her. The culture that surrounds rape leads her to feel guilty for it happening to her. These poems like the ones below would help change her mind on that and lead her to speak.

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Neil Hilborn & Ollie Schminkey - "One Color" (NPS 2013)

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Performing for Minneapolis's SlamMN! at the 2013 National Poetry Slam. Follow Button Poetry on Facebook: http://facebook.com/buttonpoetry About Button: Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for spoken word and performance poetry. We seek to showcase the power and diversity of voices in our community.

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National Poetry Slam Finals 2014 - "Say No"  Olivia Gatwood, Megan Falley

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Interested in seeing what Melinda Sordino is doing on a day to day basis? Check out her twitter!