Human Trafficking - protecting yourself and others

Sex trafficking has been going on for a long time and should stop. Today I want to inform you of what you can do to help victims of this awful crime and how to prevent yourself and others from being trafficked.

Let's start with an actual definition of what this crime is. It is slavery for the purpose of sex, labor, or organ harvesting, to put it simply. Several organizations rescue victims on a daily basis and protect them, such as Rahab Ministries, Rahab's Daughters, Children of the Night, and several other organizations you can give money to and volunteer at. There is also a hotline for this crime, seen above. Some of these organizations also help women out of prostitution (selling your act of sex on the street). 

Prevention

There are trainings on this topic at multiple places, so look around your area to see what's closest. Aside from that, here is what you can do. 

1. Say something if you see something - The police can't catch them if you don't report it, so report it. Kidnappings happen quickly and a professional kidnapper will have someone in their vehicle real quick. On top of that, this a crime that is done in groups. Say something before they are over the border!

2. Volunteer for/give to organizations - Anyone can do this, at any organization they choose. It's not hard to do and they appreciate the help. If you can't give time, give money or supplies for safe houses. 

3. Raise Awareness - Post the hotline on your social media, host events that broadcast it exists, and generally make people aware that it is still happening, so that they can take steps. It ripples across the population we interact with and creates a safer world when we look out for each other, and that starts with awareness.

The Possible Signs 

There are a large number of red flags to look out for, but not all of them mean human trafficking. The rule of logical deduction says The Rule of Three is a generally helpful rule. In other words, if you see one of these you may not want to jump to conclusions, but if you see three or more, say something.

- can't leave job or quit   - no financial control over pay   - physical injury/abuse  

- has an escort to speak for them   - fear/under someone's control   - untended health issues

- owe money and bound to repay   - moving/changing jobs often/suddenly  

 - unfamiliar with area they live in     - not working job originally promised 

- travels with minimal/inappropriate luggage  - no documentation/lack of control over documents

- provide sexual services in club/has manager  - labor/serve but never leave home/work  

- can't contact family   - not allowed social contact/religious services  - restricted freedom

- child engaged in sexual acts  - afraid of authorities  - forced work under bad conditions 

- excessively long hours for long periods of time

Additionally, they may not reach out for help for reasons of a threat toward their family, money issues, drug issues, twisted affection towards their handler, fear of deportation and law enforcement, mistrust, or not knowing how to get help. They also may not know they are being trafficked, probably in the case of young children. On top of that, they may not know the culture they were dropped into. 

Types of Trafficking

There are many different types of this crime, with different targets. It seems that our children are always targets, much like women, but LGBT are becoming targets, too. 

Forced labor is one type that has some subcategories. Those include debt bondage and involuntary domestic servants. If one owe's someone and they are working off their debt today, it is not normal. It was done legally way-back-when, but not now,and even then they were freed. In this case, they never pay it off and end up as slaves. The latter, involuntary servants, are trapped in a situation where they work for little or no pay and can't leave their employer. They are isolated and trapped, and most likely, abused. 

Sex trafficking is the most well known of all the categories. Through force or coercion, these people (they take all genders and ages) are exploited for sex. It happens in strip clubs, brothels, private homes, and several other places. They are often shipped off somewhere. Common targets are women, children, and LGBT individuals. Another sex category is commerical sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Kids having sex with adults, in short, and being payed for it.

Child labor is, obviously, children being forced into labor. Bad working conditions, health risks, and they're probably badly cared for, too. The subcategories here are domestic work, sex, begging, illegal activities, illegal adoption, early marriage, and child soldiers. This all includes enslavement, too. Street kids are likely targets for some of this. Child soldiers are self-explanatory, but I'm talking about the details, anyway. If they are 17 or younger and are used for military purposes, they are child soldiers. Both genders are taken, so don't assume the girls aren't targets.

 Forced marriage is connected to multiple categories because it enables some of these things above to happen. Age matters not, just that an individual didn't consent to marry, but was forced to. In the case of children, it causes even more damage. It also allows someone to travel with their "husband/wife" or handler as a married couple and be forced into labor or the sex trade. 

Tactics of Human Traffickers

There are many tactics used to trap victims. Homeless runaways, immigrants, and abuse victims are common targets and can be easily taken in. Illegal immigrants are leveraged by lack of documentation quite often and homeless runaways are lured in for a warm bed or a job and end up forced into work or sex.  

Commonly, it starts with the promise of a good job, an opportunity, or a loving relationship. Other times it starts with kidnapping or substance abuse. Just like any emotionally and physically abusive relationship, they end up trapped and without a way to contact help. 

I mentioned before that this is a crime done in groups. It is also done individually. It happens in stores, malls, and parking lots, and is a great reason to go everywhere in groups (bathrooms included). 

Here are a few common tactics to look out for.

1. lured in by relationship - Also known as being abused and groomed for the trade

  2. fake job ads - Long story short, do your research before you go to your interview

  3. Cults  -  grooming a whole group of people for the trade all at once

4. drugged at a party - check your drinks for drugs and be careful what parties you go to

5. social media meet-ups  -  don't friend someone who you don't personally know, and don't meet them offline

6. sold by family - some people sell their kids to the trade

Abduction is rarely used, and mostly on street runaways, but it is out there. I mistrust going to malls and gas stations alone, personally. I even go to cosplay conventions with at least one person, my tall strong boyfriend and any other friends we want to take with us. I wrote a blog on self-defense and that can be connected directly to this one. 

I just gave you a lot of information, so here's the bottom line. To make a long story short, pay attention to your environment. Be careful who befriends you. Trust your gut. Think for yourself and do your research. Don't hit accept on friend requests you don't know. Don't accept strangers' drinks. Say something if you see something suspicious. 

Sources:

rahabsdaughters.org/

https://humantraffickingsearch.org/

https://polarisproject.org/victims-traffickers

bigeasymagazine.com/

http://www.bethejam.org/tactics

Pictures:

HHS.gov

the san diego union tribune

endslaverytn.org

polaris website

the history of the high heel

Some of you may not know that men once wore high heels as a status symbol. They were not created to torture women, contrary to popular belief.

A Brief History

They were worn in Persia, 15th Century, worn by soldiers to help secure their feet to stirrups. Created for men. Read that sentence again. That's right, ladies, these were for men first. They weren't created to oppress women. This trend spread to Europe, where male aristocrats used them to look taller and more sophisticated.

Greek actors wore them 2000 years ago, and the higher the cork platform heel the more important the character on the stage. 

Now we get to women's heels. 15th-17th century heels made European women tall, to the point that maids were sometimes used as crutches. These were hidden under skirts. Higher heels meant more cloth to the dress, a status symbol. 

1673 was the year King Louis XIV introduced red sole and heels, then restricted their use to nobles.
The color, another status symbol (see the trend?). 

You may not realize it, but chinese foot binding creates a similar gait (walking pattern) to modern high heels. Foot binding didn't really die out until early 20th Century. 

The 1800's ended the high heel trend for men because loyalty to the crown ended during the french revolution. The Victorian era, late 1800 to 1900, was only the beginning of women and high heels, partly because of the sewing machine meant easy stitching for sewing uppers into shoes. Heels were now females only. Women were now pictured in heels and considered sexy.

WWII and 50's trends reinforced the feminine trend of glamour and feminine heels. Christian Dior created the stiletto. It was a growing trend for everyday women.

The feminist movement lowered the heel in the 60's and 70's. Mary Janes and platforms became popular again around this time. You aren't seeing stilettos in Austin Powers movies, for example, but you are seeing stilettos.

Today's Trends

Today we see lots of high heels, but lots of low heels, too. We can choose our own style. I, personally, will wear them for cosplay and on formal occasions, but seldom do I wear them daily. I usually bring flats with me when I do wear them. Others wear them every day (Ouch, let's call Dr. Scholls!) or not at all. Do what you want.

Look up Kinky Boots on broadway, Max Klinger from MASH, or Rocky Horror Picture Show and we see men wearing them, once again, but for different reasons. Max Klinger is wearing them to get a section 8 (translation, to appear crazy and get an army discharge) and the other two examples are wearing them for reasons of sexuality and breaking the mold. Some men have worn them as a joke or for stage roles.

Their Effect On The Body

 A word of caution to those who wear them often; Stilettos strain your knees and ankles. Heels age joints faster. Lower back, neck, and shoulder pain is common because your body is put out of alignment. They force you to arch your back, and while this was once considered or still considered sexy to some, it makes you hurt more. 

It is actually suggested to do certain stretches after long periods of wearing heels. This includes this routine below. 

1. lay a book (1 inch spined) on floor

2. While standing, place ball of right foot on book and rest heel on ground

3. bend forward at waist, then try to grab toes on book (okay to bend knees slightly)

4. hold for 30 seconds

5. switch feet, repeat 2 to 3 times

6. gradually add an inch per week up to 3 inches

Also, high heels should fit snugly and firmly hold your foot. If you slide in them, you can cause blisters, bleeding feet, and toenail trouble. All painful. I realistically suggest Dr. Scholls products, in all seriousness, when wearing heels for the sake of comfort and safety.

Pictures:
Messy Nessy Chic
macleans.ca
teen vogue
vintage dancer
vocal
tumblr



Sources:
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/heels-history-men
https://www.image.ie/life/history-high-heels-117052
https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/the-real-harm-in-high-heels/

The history of the bra and corset - women's fashion history

Most women wear bras, but when were they invented? Yes, men who didn't understand that underwire hurts invented some of them, but let's go deeper than that. Women invented bras, too.

Basic Designs

They began in the 14th Century with female Minoan athletes, otherwise, you didn't have one. The female athletes wore what now equals a tight tube top. Before that, well, let's hope your sheath dress covered everything and no one got handsy.

French 1500 Corset

From there we get corsets, harmful in my opinion, but considered high fashion for centuries. They became popular in 1500 France. Imagine an inverted cone that flattened your breasts and pushed them upward, maybe even spilling out of your dress. They were made of whalebone sometimes. They remained popular for four centuries because they shaped women into specific figures.

After that girdles became a thing in the late 19th Century. A girdle forced a curvy figure. It made your chest go forward and your hips go out. Curvy women were the thing and you could see the small of their back more often, as opposed to stiff corsets. Imagine an "S" like figure.

Corselet Gorge model

1869 was the year the corset split into two parts. The "corselet gorge", or the "well being", was basically a modern bra with a waist corset. 1905 they started selling the top by itself, with no waist corset.

In 1914 a woman invented the modern bra, or backless bra, with two silk handkerchiefs and pink ribbon. That patent was sold to Warner Brothers Corset Company, eventually. 

Up until the 1920s, there were minor adjustments for comfort, but no major shifts in design. 

Cup sizes were created in the 1930s, along with eyehooks and other adjustment straps. 

Trends

As most women know, fashion is a fickle, changing trend and has been for so long that some of us no longer care and do our own thing for our own comfort. Keeping that in mind, the bra has changed for that purpose since.

Bullet Bras -
the most flattering picture I could find

Without further ado, I present the 1920s trend of flat chests and flapper dresses. No corsets, just tight tops that created boyish shapes. 

1940s created a torpedo style, which has been nicknamed "bullet bras". The old movies are full of this, if you look close enough. (Frankly, it looks really bad. Let's not bring it back, ladies.) WWII was when this started. It claimed to offer protection on production lines during a time of women in the factories. Men, no surprise here, invented the padded bras that showed more cleavage in 1947.

The 1950s came with Marilyn Monroe, a woman I've mentioned before, who wore a sweater. That gave the appearance of larger breasts, a trend that didn't end. 1964 came soon after, making looking larger even more popular with the invention of push-up bras. 1967 made fancy designs popular with the premiere of the movie The Graduate, which included lace and printed designs on the main actress' lingerie.

Sports bras started in 1977. Fitness and sports were becoming a trend at this time, so women needed the support. "Jogbra" was just the start. We still use these in modern society. This year also began Victoria's Secret, now famous for a fashion show of mostly lingerie. It was created because bras made men uncomfortable in department stores, and women's' only stores were a relief to some men.

2009 revealed memory foam bras. Today you can find a lot of styles out there, from sports to training bras. All vary in support. You can even use paper or gel bras for strapless gowns. If any men are reading this, I am not blaming you for the invention of underwire, but I do say the person who invented it did not have any women in his life to test the comfort of it. That said, underwire has been used for support in bras. 

Corset Types

Queen Elizabeth I Corset

Corsets changed with fashion, as well, so let's dive into that by itself. We know what 1500 French corsets look like, but they weren't the first to use them. Minoans invented them before that, for both men and women, because they wanted to stop waist growth and have small waists. Women used them for support and it showed their breasts.

Queen Elizabeth I created a style of corset in the 16th Century that was less rigid and emphasized waist. Tudors had a style that was iron and for both genders. Italy liked wider hips and created a corset that created that image. 

19th Century was the start was less rigid corsets and more curves. Remember S shaped bodies? That goes here on the timeline. Also, women could put their own corset on when front-fastening became a trend, creating more independence. It followed the body curves and created comfort.

The Edwardian era, 1904 to 1911, was a redesign era and created less harmful corsets that didn't harm internal organs. It gave an upright posture. The idea of hourglass shape was started here, and so was the idea of corsets as lingerie. 

1912-1919 long corsets were the start of girdles. These ended below one's bust line and minimized the abdomen and hips. Some ended at your mid-thigh. The waist of the corset was just above the waist.

1920 Corset

Are there still more corset styles? Are we really still talking about this? Yes, believe it or not. We're at 1920 styles. War created looser shapes, with a lack of supplies towards fashion. Pin-ups show stockings and garters. Boyish was the trend, as well, so to achieve that corsets slimmed thighs and hips. Also available were "hip confiners" and "sports corsets". 

1930 and 1940 brought back hourglass shape. Full body corsets were popular. They had to get creative. War was still in session and fashion wasn't a high priority, so no zippers allowed and eye and hook were limited. Lace-up and elastic were the solution. 

1950's Spencer ad (Spencer
is a brand of girdle)

1950 was the girdle time period, where women were warned about not wearing one after childbirth and seen as less for not wearing one at all. Shape was important. Just look at the ads in the 50's and tell me how much body-shaming was aimed at bigger women. You'll find so much of it; it's a wonder women didn't combust between the stress of looking good and raising 2.5 kids! The war over and all, zippers were back and lace was out. 

Today it's mostly used for the stage, cosplay, and historical films. Some may buy them for support, still, but most of us don't use them except for costumes, or at all. With that, we are done with our history lesson. 

Pictures:
BT.com

History of Corsetry
wikipedia commons
scoopwhoop
new york post
pinterest

witness2fashion

Sources:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/g1291/bra-history/
https://www.herroom.com/blog/the-history-of-the-bra-a-timeline/
http://tahliamckellartextiles.weebly.com/corset-timeline.html

Logical Deduction Online - Social Media Detective Work

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but almost everyone has a social media or online account. It is considered abnormal when someone doesn't have an online presence. Most investigators, or curious others, know that you can find out more about a person using this nifty fact. Depending on how much you post about yourself, you can give someone a full profile of you or nothing at all (should someone not have one or completely ignore their social media).

Generally, there are people who ignore their online accounts, except for online shopping, but it can still give you a glimpse of their past. Even shopping history can give you an idea of their needs and interests. Again, it just depends on how much you post and the content. I don't think we realize just how much we put on the world wide web and how much information we give our friends and strangers. This blog is a basic guide to logical deduction on social media.

What We Post Online

Let's start with posts that are shared. We share so many humorous or serious posts all across our social media that we don't think about the messages others receive about us through them. They reveal our sense of humor and what we care about. They may even reveal our politics and beliefs if you share a lot of one theme. For example, if you share positive articles about a politician, you may just support them. If you share them all the time you are definitely supporting them. If one has a dark sense of humor their page will be full of that humor. Your interests are revealed by what you consistently share. Bottom line, look for a theme and consistently shared content.

Next, we move on to the pictures. Some don't share pictures of themselves, but others may tag them in pictures and those will show up on their page. Pictures show who we are connected to, where we go, who we have met in our lifetime, and who's important to us. Also, it may tell you favorite colors, clothing styles, our favorite clothes, posture, and physical preferences. Another important concept here is who is consistently in the pictures with us. So, for instance, if you are dating someone for two plus years, they will show up in pictures for two plus years. Whether you posted the pictures or someone tagged you in it, it can be analyzed for information. 

Moving on, we look at what we posted, not counting pictures. Status updates about our lives show up consistently, every once in a while, rarely, or not at all depending on who you are. Whenever they show up, they can tell us quite a bit about our mental state and what is going in our lives, blatantly or subtly. 

1. Subtle - Subtle clues to character are in what we say online. We can look at the tone and the emojis used to figure out if someone is in a good or bad mood. Add to that, if the post is directed towards any ongoing drama. Some posts mean exactly what was written with no undertones, while others include undertones of situations we don't see. 

2. blatant -  It means what it said. Examples include "I'm having a movie night at ....... See you there!" "I am thankful for my family in this time of grief." "That movie was so awesome! Y'all should go see it."  Simple, straight-forward, no hidden meanings. 

Liking pages can mean nothing or something, so be aware of that. Don't go off of that alone when

trying to profile someone off their social media. I hit "like" on a lot of things, and so do a lot of you readers, so having a million likes is a sign to not read too far into that. Whos' posts you like may mean something, though, if you consistently like their posts. It reveals a connection to someone. Be careful reading into that, too.

Groups that we get involved in reveal our real interests. I am involved in a facebook group for Nancy Drew Game Fans and Nancy Drew books. I am also involved in a group about the county I live in. This is a good example of good information for your snooping. It reveals my fandom interest and where I live in one shot. With this example, you can obviously see that groups are important. It connects us to others, too, so add personal connections to the list. 

Events that they have been to or are interested in show up on Facebook. If an event has been ignored entirely and doesn't say interested or going on it, don't include it in your logical deductions. Events that interest us reveal what our interests are and what we prioritize. For example, I'm a cosplayer and one would find Hall of Fame Comic Con in my list of attended events. It's simple and may even reveal politics or beliefs. 

Pinterest Boards are wonderfully easy to read interests from. I don't have to say much else on this topic, but I wanted to include it because Pinterest is social media. Want to know someone's interest and they have one? Just follow their boards. Also, shared boards reveal friendship and events planned together. 

Finally, we get to followers and friends lists. Look for those that are already connected personally in any of the above ways to find those closest to someone. Even on Pinterest. If one name comes up in five places you are looking at a friend or family member. Facebook even allows you to mark someone as a family or close friend. It makes it easy to see who dated who. 

Pulling All This Together

That was a lot of information, but when it all comes together we have a full picture of someone, with a few holes here and there. We only show the world some of us online, so that comes as no surprise. Something else to consider is that anyone can be anything online. When done right, a fake profile can look real. That's called catfishing. The above is only accurate if someone isn't lying. 

I hope this helped you with your logical deduction skills. Online profiling is best when paired with people watching and knowing the individual in person. You get an accurate reading that way.  *Please don't use to illegally stalk someone!*

Pictures: 

Make a Website hub

stack overflow

cleanPNG

vox.com

self defense tactics - writer's basics and real life skills

I talked about objects used for self-defense and murders of passion two blog posts ago, and now I am going to talk about self-defense tactics. This is useful, not only for the writers reading this, but for those who are in dangerous areas and walk to their cars at night after work. Male or female, you can use this in real life.

Prevention

You may not have to use this if you are clearly aware of your surroundings. There was a study done in a prison where the attackers were asked how they chose their targets. The targets were all women, but some of it is more than just female features.

 One thing that was taken into consideration was if they held an umbrella or a possible weapon. Carry an umbrella? You have one point in your favor. Carry a heavy purse? Another point in your favor. Open carry? I'd say you have nothing to worry about. 

Another point in your favor is if you are paying attention. Sounds easy, right? But so many of us walk around on our phones and tablets listening to music on our earbuds. We tune out the world around us more than we think. Put the phone in your purse or pocket. Turn off the music and take off the headphones. Doing so makes it harder to be mugged.

The last point in your favor is greeting and looking at the people around you. Can you identify someone? If person A was going to mug person B, Would person A want to be described to a police sketch artist? Not at all. Greet people and look them in the eye. Uncomfortable, yes, but it may just save you. Should you be attacked, you can identify them for the police and that's the end of their freedom, as well as solid evidence in your favor.

Basics For Anyone

Anyone can do these regardless of size or gender. It is recommended to be able to defend yourself in today's society. Someone wants your wallet and purse? Give it to them and run. Your credit card can always be reported stolen and frozen. Don't lose your life over your purse, please.

1. Push back and be loud - You can both signal for help and show them you aren't an easy target by yelling. "back of!" "get away from me!" "Who are you?" "I'll call the police!" Don't be easy to quietly take. Silence is a bad idea.

2. Hitting sensitive places - If the first didn't work, hit and punch. Think SING (Sole, Instep, Nose, Groin). Other places include face, neck, ears, knees, legs, and any obvious injuries they had previously. Where to hit depends on proximity. Hit upper body with a knife-like hand position, palm-strike, tightly curled fist, or knuckles for soft targets, 

3. False surrender - If your attacker is trying to tire you out, false surrender will trigger them to release you enough to make a hit and run for it. In sexual assaults, this is a big thing. When you are not going to be able to fight your way out of it, false surrender is something you need to try. 

4. Self-defense classes - Basically, one blog post and several online website articles may not prepare you for any of this. Take classes. The internet is no substitute for actual classes on this. 

Products For Self-Defense

There are companies that sell to (primarily) women. Pepper spray, tasers, and the like are good to have, in general. You can even get a knife-edge wedding band. Damsel In Defense is a major company who does this, but there are others. There are tactical pens you find, too, so if someone attacks you in an office, you can reach for it on your desk. If you can conceal carry or open carry, do so.

*The second source at the bottom of this post is the Damsel In Defense website.*

Pictures:

Stun and run self defense

STAR concepts

Sources:

https://lifehacker.com/basic-self-defense-moves-anyone-can-do-and-everyone-sh-5825528

https://damselindefense.net/

sherlock mind palace

Sherlock Holmes is famous for many things, one of them being a mind palace memory technique that actually exists. I am going to do a brief snapshot of how you create one for yourself, though I'd watch the videos done by youtuber Observe for more information, should you want more details. The link to the first mind palace video will be at the end of this blog.

What is this?

This has been around for much longer than Sherlock. It is the idea that you visualize a memorized place, mark certain furniture with certain numbers, then use the furniture (or whatever you choose to number) as files. We place our coats and purses on chairs in real life, come back for them, and repeat. This is exactly what you are doing in your mind when you use this technique.

Does it work?

Before you could google, save numbers to your cellphone, write down on paper, and set reminders on your mobile and electronic devices this memory technique was used quite often. Paper was expensive then, but today it is cheap. The modern world has made it easy for this technique to be unnecessary, but years back this was highly necessary. Does it work? Yes!

Creating One

Listen very carefully to these steps, and watch the video link below, because if you create it wrong it falls apart real quick. I am giving you basics, so please do more research than this if you are doing this for real.

1. Memorize a place (keep it simple, if the space is cluttered mentally)

2. Walk the space and mark certain furniture or objects as 1,2,3.....etc.

3. Mentally walk the same path in your mind palace until you know it by heart. (No joke)

4. Load information into your mind palace NUMERICALLY and mark it as visually as possible.

5. Use your mind palace often to keep yourself sharp and your mind palace working.

Loading Information In

When you load something into your mind palace put a numerical number to it. This is where you are putting it, whether it looks silly or not. (The more out of the place, the better, actually.) Lists are easy, but what about speeches or lines in a play?

Well, let's take a four-paragraph speech and map this out. If the first paragraph is about your dog, the first visual image is your dog (doing whatever you want him to do). The second paragraph may be about your significant other, so visualize them (again, pose doesn't matter as long as you remember it). Paragraph three can be about your parents, so place them next. The last paragraph can be about your favorite book, so visualize the cover of your favorite book opening up.  It takes some mapping out, but it really does work. 

I will emphasize the need to go in numerical order and not go out of order because that is a recipe for failure all by itself. If file one is bookshelf one, and you're memorizing the previous speech we just discussed, the image is your dog doing ridiculous things beside or on top of the shelves. Don't put him at file three, his dog bed, just because it makes sense. No, the odder it is the more you remember.

As always, check my facts and correct me if you see something's not right. I aim to arm writers with truth, not lies. I have created a mind palace in the last week or so, so it is possible. You don't have to have Sherlock qualities to do it. Enjoy your new mind palace!

Sources:
https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/memory-palace/

Pictures:
flipkart
magnetic memory method
oldschoolasc.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDAZyA_YqRE - click this link for a video about Mind Palace Memory Technique. There are three more after this one done by the same youtuber.

Anything can be a weapon - A mystery and suspense writing motto

Whether you are defending yourself from an attacker or trying to kill your wife and frame Guilder for it (Princess Bride joke), weaponry is unlimited because every object in your house can probably be used to kill or defend yourself. Please don't use this to suggest you can kill yourself! That is not the message I am promoting!

If any of you have ever watched The Red Green Show you know that "any tool is the right tool". When building a porch or a car that is absolutely not true, but when it comes to writing a self-defense or murder scene it is true. Below are the reasons I believe that the possibilities are endless for weaponry.

Self-Defense Scenarios

In the case of self-defense, this is a brilliant way to a have an unconventional weapon used. An umbrella? A letter opener? A frying pan? An encyclopedia? All of the above will work for this use. When you are being chased by someone with intent to kill you or assault you, one can't be picky about what one can use to defend themselves. If you see a fireplace poker you grab it. A frying pan, sure, why not! Just look at the zombie movies, like Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland for examples like this. 

Murder and Intent to Kill/Harm

This goes for a crime of passion, in most cases. I say this because a premeditated murder will have a premeditated weapon prepared and ready. A crime of passion? Not so much. Whatever is in the room or within reach will do. Again, I reference the horror genre for examples of this. Gremlins show the little gremlin creatures grabbing anything they can find to take on the humans trying to destroy them. This also shows one gremlin being microwaved to death. Anything goes in most horror genre movies.

Actual Examples from Real Life

These are real life examples, that I haven't made up, of murders that happened with household objects we would never, normally, consider dangerous. I can't make these up, and if you don't believe me click the first source at the bottom of the post. It has more details on all of these murders.

1. Richard Clare was killed by a spoon to the head in 2004. 

2. Alf Andersson was stabbed to death with a stilletto in 2013. 

3. Rebecca Love was stabbed with a pen 93 times in May 2007.

4. Marie Rankin was beaten to death with her crucifix. 

5. Monica Gooden was bludgeoned with an Xbox 360 in 2013. 

6. A 97-year-old man was beaten dead by a spatula.

7. Sreymon Claudia was beaten to death with a toilet tank lid until it broke.

8. Debra Hewitt murdered her boyfriend using her prosthetic leg. 

9. Daniel Kovarbasich smashed a jar of pickles on his molester's head. 

10. Patricia McCollum was strangled with a pair of sweatpants. 

I repeat, I can't make this up. These are all real. 

 Objects Used For Self Defense

There are a million or so nonlethal and lethal self-defense weapons made for self-defense specifically, but I'm not going to talk about those today. (Possibly another post to look out for, if you liked this one!) Today we talk about the inanimate objects that, with a little bit of imagination, can be used against an attacker. Below is a list of objects that can be used to fend off an attacker, inflict pain, or kill in self-defense. "Them" is your attacker.

1. Fire extinguishers - Blind someone and hit them on the head

2. Any sharp object in the house (yes, pens) - Stab them

3. Keys - Stab them

4. Anything for blunt force - slam it into them

5. Gardening tools and sports equipment - slam it into them and stab them (depends on tool)

5. Your shoes - Slam your heel into them

6. Household chemicals - Cause ill effects to them

7. Any Clothes, blankets, and sheets - cover their line of vision

All of these are common objects around the house, every one of them. Never underestimate the power of your gardening shed or supply closets. Writers, you live with many lethal objects in your house. Use your imagination when it comes to your mysteries and suspense.

Pictures:
Reddit
feministdisney
wewantinsanity.com
wired.com

Sources:

https://thoughtcatalog.com/kendra-syrdal/2016/03/10-unconventional-items-you-never-would-have-suspected-were-used-in-cold-blooded-murder-but-totally-were/

https://www.heraldextra.com/momclick/health-and-fitness/common-household-items-make-great-self-defense-tools/article_2b140a31-3b82-5568-b55a-cf7a34ebd2cc.html