Stop excusing boys. He doesn't just fall into a vagina, whoops, because no one said "no." I can't control anyone, but I certainly expect not to be slapped in the face at a party, and if a man slaps me in the face, he is responsible for that action he took. Not sure why anyone should have a lower standard for sexual assault. |
Regardless of the sexes of one’s children, it’s equally important to teach all of them how to protect themselves from others as well as what is and isn’t appropriate for them to do to others. That’s empowering, not infantilizing. |
The first step to changing culture is all women getting on the same page and all of us agreeing 100% of consent falls on whoever is initiating. This hem and hawing gives rapists oxygen to rape and it gives the police justification to blow off complainants. |
@dannah_eve on instagram I use this a lot. As my daughter started to prepare for college, I realized just how vulnerable and naive she was and use this account frequently to initiate discussions. She was so sick and tired of me bringing up the what ifs but better safe than sorry |
I think people have different tolerances and perceptions of "sexual harassment." For example, some people with heightened sensitivities today can find traditional/innocent flirtations "harassing." Some are fine with those same "flirtations" - if it's someone they like/are interested in; but consider it harassment if it comes from someone they don't want the attention from. Then there are some who probably don't consider one construction worker whistling as they walk by a construction site one time to be harassment, whereas another woman would. Or being leered at - harassment? or just creepy? |
DP. Situations are vastly different and I think the problem is with the definition of sexual harassment. Is any of it good behavior? No; but there's a difference between lewd, rude, gross and unwanted; and being put in a position of pressure, imminent danger, or ongoing unsolicited and lewd or rude offenses. |
+1 A person who repeatedly makes one-time offenses to different people would imo, however, make that person a sexual harasser. But that's usually part and parcel of just being a sexist jackass. |
Is this a serious comment? She's Latina and she's not allowed to use that terminology? Not all people from the "LatinX" category approve/like/use that terminology. |
I don't think it's that we accept these things. We just don't actually call every offender out every time. Many of the incidents people are talking about in this post are one-time occurrences from strangers in bars, walking down the street, on a bus or train, etc. I'm not going to get into a confrontation with these guys and I would not encourage my daughter to, either. These days, yes, it would be great if more of the incidents are called out when it's feasible and safe to do so -- like the example a previous commenter gave about the bus masturbator and the woman taking the young girl to a seat by the driver and telling the driver what was going on. It's not that we're "accepting" the minor slights and disrespect - we endure them and move on. Continual offenses in the same environment or by the same individual are different and are absolutely more likely to be called out and not tolerated. |
So is a catcall while walking down the street or being leered at by someone several seats away on a public bus a "social situation?" |
Unfortunately, there is truth to the "boys will be boys" and "immature men will be immature men" thing. Are we really going to deny that males have some specific innate sexual instincts that are different from womens'? The problem isn't that per se; it's the letting it pass and expecting it and excusing it as such. The result would have been different (hopefully) if that gym teacher were a woman or even a man with the attitude that such behavior is inappropriate and wrong - they would have at least had a strong chat with those boys. |
Every guy should already know that going up to someone and groping them is wrong. I get that you're talking about a specific ongoing relationship here - and I agree it isn't all on the guy in this type of situation; but let's not believe that men never know what they're doing is wrong unless the woman is specifically telling him. |
You are revolting and offensive. It is not "infantilizing" girls to expect boys to respect women. To gain consent. To learn to accept no. I'm all for teaching girls about risks but that has been going on for generations. It's time for BOYS and parents of boys to play a role here. Failing to do that is infantilizing boys, if anything. |
+100 |
Yes, it's mom's fault. Sir, take responsibility for your own actions. |