Question from a reader:
Is it thought that someone is lying when they smile despite being a victim? I am reflecting on why invisible wounds from PTSD and sexual violence are often doubted. Recently, with the incident involving Fuji Television and Masahiro Nakai, there has been speculation about who X is, particularly with many suggesting it might be Nagisa Watanabe. I
feel uncomfortable seeing her expressions and activities treated as evidence. I have seen opinions claiming that a victim would never send a confirming email saying, “Aren’t we dating?” or that if someone is smiling while active, they cannot have PTSD. I question whether these judgments are truly valid. I believe it is possible for someone who has experienced sexual violence to respond with a smile, out of fear or to avoid angering the other party, and to send gentle emails. The psychological response of compliance and appeasement is said to manifest as one form of PTSD. I have acquaintances who behaved normally immediately after an incident, only to later develop severe PTSD. It broke my heart to realize that their smiles were forced. The severity of trauma often remains unseen. Nonetheless, there is a loud reality that asserts, “They are lying because they are smiling” or “They are pretending to be sick.” I understand the urge to think there was consent when reading weekly magazine reports, but we must also consider the possibility of compliance born from fear and the performance needed to survive in the moment. I believe the true nature of this incident cannot be understood from the outside, but I feel it is dangerous to apply fixed ideas like, “Someone with PTSD should be like this” or “Victims wouldn’t act that way.”
The Importance of Understanding Victims
Recently, while having tea with a friend, we discussed sexual violence and PTSD. When she said, “Sometimes victims are thought to be lying when they smile,” I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. I felt the same way. I believe there is a reality where understanding for those with invisible wounds is lacking.
The Pain Hidden Behind a Smile
I have a friend who acted normally immediately after experiencing trauma. Seeing her smile, I thought, “She must be okay.” However, when I later learned she had developed severe PTSD, my heart ached. I realized that her smile had been forced. When the topics of sexual violence and PTSD arise, fixed ideas about “how it should be” often linger. However, each person’s feelings and reactions are unique. We need to understand and accept those differences.
Reactions from Others and Their Impact
In the recent Fuji Television incident, I find it concerning that there is a trend of thinking, “If a victim is smiling, they must be lying.” I feel a strong discomfort with the idea that a victim’s expressions and activities are treated as evidence. It prompts me to reconsider what we think “victimhood” entails. For instance, if someone says, “They’re not experiencing PTSD because they are smiling,” that person may not understand the victim’s perspective. In reality, people may smile out of fear, hiding numerous internal conflicts.
What We Can Do
By sharing these discussions, I hope to deepen understanding in our surroundings. When people decide, “Victims should be like this,” it may make it even harder for them to speak up. Therefore, I feel it is crucial for us to engage in more open discussions. I still have much to learn. What do you think? I would love to hear any experiences or thoughts you would like to share. Let’s work together to foster understanding!
