Too Nice

Abstract

Shannon Moran’s Too Nice is a powerful and raw poetic exploration of how kindness  is often weaponized against them in a culture that blames victims of sexual assault and coercion. The poem deconstructs the insidious narrative that being “too nice” invites abuse, pushing back against societal tendencies to question the victim’s behavior rather than the perpetrator’s. Through vivid, emotionally charged language, Moran gives voice to the often-silenced experiences of coercion, emotional manipulation, and victim-blaming. The poem underscores the no-win reality many survivors face and challenges deeply ingrained myths about consent, strength, and survival.