I actually noticed an interesting thing when I was in Portland. I went for a walk alone late each night coz I do that and if I encountered a man, he very frequently made non-threatening signs at me. Crossed the road, slowed down if he was behind me, walked in a wide arc round me.
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It was very clear that the ones in Portland were conscious that they could be seen as a threat and wanted to signal their safety & decrease any anxiety I might be feeling. This seems to be a cultural thing. Men in London just keep walking to their destination at the same pace.
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Although I should say I was walking by the university campus so most of the men I passed were undergraduates and that could make a difference. I meant to tweet about it at the time.
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The woman-as-victim narrative is another one of those victimhood pride things. It’s an unfortunate fad, like bell bottoms and platform shoes were. Interesting how we think equality means women should be more like men, and at the same time victims.
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I have three daughters, and I am a widow. There is no room for fear for us, and I have instilled in them their own resilience. Nonetheless, we still have reactions similar to men when strangers attempt to enter our house, but we never see men as enemies.
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In 1995, we were taught in Women’s Studies that men should actively cross the street to signal that they are not a threat. That was at the University of Oregon and Portland State, at least 2 minority studies classes were required for undergrads.
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I agree it’s cultural, but to a specific set of west coast liberal undergrads in particular. men right now are now apologizing for never understanding how terrifying it is to be a woman. I’m not always afraid, so I find it strange to hear.
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But I will say, growing up in Portland I did get more harrassement then I ever did living in Europe.
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No, I don't think so either. The woman-as-victim narrative concerns me too. Would I take sensible precautions to mitigate risk? Of course. As do men.
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The narrative worries me because it's trying to tell people that the more they are afraid. The more they are justified in feeling that way. Fear can be irrational. Women being afraid isn't a good measure of how dangerous something actually is.
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^ this.
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All The This!
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I'm not afraid, in general, either. When I am nervous it's typically something a man would also be nervous about. Ex: waiting for a bus alone at night and something rustles in a bush.
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I don’t live a life of fear. I think I take the same precautions anyone would.
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Been raped twice, not sure how to pretend that I’m not afraid. I don’t walk alone after dark, especially if the streets are not busy. Yes, it will take awhile until a new generation of boys are told “ no means no”, and don’t blackmail a woman if you have power.
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Terrible what U experienced. Men who rape in US today likely have some kind of social disfunction disorder or lose their inhibitions due to 2 much alcohol. There R no good excuses. Most men wld never rape. I've tried to find evid that these courses chng rape stats. Does it exist?
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http://psychopathology.imedpub.com/a-critical-review-of-sexual-violence-prevention-on-college-campuses.php?aid=9087 … Instead of trying to fix most men who are not broken, and who would act to stop an assault when they C 1, evidence based techniques should be applied to reduce rape.
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I’m not trying to fix men that are not rapists. I’m trying to bring awareness. This is how most of us feet. We need to be better
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