On use of “stalking”

femmesandfamily:

[tw stalking, sexual assault, non-consent]

In popular culture, the word “stalking” has come to represent a lot more than actual stalking.  It has come to stand for being really into something, visiting someone/something a lot, or spending a lot of time on one thing.  In blogging communities it is used all the time. 

I stalked her all night.

Sorry I keep stalking you.

I found this new blog and I stalk it everyday.

I really REALLY want to encourage everyone to stop using this word unless you actually mean stalking.

Stalking is a serious offense that I have experienced, as well as many people close to me.  I was stalked by a person who attempted to sexually assault me.  He showed up at my house multiple times, left me lots of messages, and made me fear for my safety.

This is NOT what most people mean when they use ‘stalking’ online.

So please, just like most of us are against rape jokes or using ‘rape’ as a casual verb, stop using ‘stalking’ in the same way.

THANK YOU.