For Justice
The Greek translation of the name Eurydice: Justice
Regardless of which source you consult, you see the same words used to describe Australian comic Eurydice Dixon.
Kind. Funny. Feminist. Giving. Loving. Successful.
Selling out shows at the dawn of her career, this 22-year-old stand-up comic more than lived up to her job title; proudly proclaiming herself a feminist in the midst of her standup routines and demanding equality.
Tuesday night, on her way home from another sold-out show, Eurydice texted a friend to ensure they were making it home OK.
Within moments of sending it, and just a short distance from her own home in Melbourne, she was viciously raped and murdered. Her body disposed of like so much trash in the middle of a football field.
Jaymes Todd, 19, has turned himself in to police and has been accused of the crime. Police are making an effort to shield his image and identity, so let me print his name again: JAYMES TODD. Oh, and here’s his picture:
I am grieved that, once again, our world has been deprived of such a glowing light, a great talent, a warm human being. And I am enraged at the response of Victoria Police Superintendent David Clayton in response to this tragedy.
“Take responsibility for your own safety.”
Really, Paul Blart Mall Cop — that is, David Clayton? Instead of vowing to increase area patrols, to toughen penalties, to offer escorts, you inform your citizens that it’s every woman for herself. So what are they paying you for, I wonder?
This precious citizen of yours was taking her safety in her own hands to entertain your residents. She reflected beautifully on your region and — if given a chance — could have brought so much fame and positive attention to your area.
As a stand-up comic, she had no choice but to work late at night; and, given the salary of most live performers, she likely could not afford a car or taxi fare. Even if this had not been the case, she could have been attacked while walking to and from her car, assaulted by a driver, or abducted while waiting at a bus or train stop. Or, at another point in her life, she might have been attacked at home by a partner or an intruder. No woman is safe, you understand? This has to change.
Listen close, Keystone Cop, because I’m going to say this only once: We women spend far too much of our time afraid for our lives and safety. This fear gives us nightmares, haunts us day and night, and keeps many of us from fulfilling our dreams. From medical professionals to journalists to customer service workers to students to custodial workers to entertainers, we walk the streets like they’re battlefields, always looking over our shoulders and bracing ourselves for the worst. And if we have a friend or loved one working any of these professions, we walk around in a state of tension until they come back home.
You and government officials everywhere need to start doing your friggin’ jobs. Instead of working so hard to shield the alleged rapist, shield your citizens instead.
I count many Aussie women among my friends, and I know that they — and we — will fight for Justice.
