What if you're a disabled woman? Or someone with a nature not inclined to feisty attitudes? Am I really expected to fight off a man twice my size? Is that really the primary answer for all women? Why would you be annoyed at men coming to your assistance in dealing with a threatening male? I respect your attitude, I really do, but I don't…
What if you're a disabled woman? Or someone with a nature not inclined to feisty attitudes? Am I really expected to fight off a man twice my size? Is that really the primary answer for all women? Why would you be annoyed at men coming to your assistance in dealing with a threatening male? I respect your attitude, I really do, but I don't think it's fair that this is what be expected of women. It's a POV that lends itself to victim blaming.
My answer is that if for any reason you feel you are unable to defend yourself, you should be very careful about how you travel in public. Yes, other people should come to one another's aid, but you can't always count on that, and creepy people shouldn't prey on the vulnerable, but unfortunately, they do. No matter how well the majority of people raise their kids, no matter how many positive messages we give out about being "allies" or good Samaritans or whatever, there will still be predatory people who will prey on the vulnerable. So if you know yourself to be vulnerable, take precautions. Travel in groups, travel only by day, stay in well-lit places with lots of other people around so you can call for help if needed. You need a strategy for how you're going to cope with harassment or assault if it happens, because sooner or later, it probably will - sooner if you're a female between the ages of 12 and 40.
I think you're absolutely correct. If you can stand up to some guy then all the better but a raft of strategies should always be in play. You have some good suggestions there.
It's not an answer for *everyone*, but it's an answer for more women than would like admit. Circumstances vary too. Some situations are more dangerous than others. Others, like three drunk guys on a subway, less so.
What if you're a disabled woman? Or someone with a nature not inclined to feisty attitudes? Am I really expected to fight off a man twice my size? Is that really the primary answer for all women? Why would you be annoyed at men coming to your assistance in dealing with a threatening male? I respect your attitude, I really do, but I don't think it's fair that this is what be expected of women. It's a POV that lends itself to victim blaming.
All people should intervene when needed against harassment. It is a citizen's obligation that we should be taught in Civics classes.
My answer is that if for any reason you feel you are unable to defend yourself, you should be very careful about how you travel in public. Yes, other people should come to one another's aid, but you can't always count on that, and creepy people shouldn't prey on the vulnerable, but unfortunately, they do. No matter how well the majority of people raise their kids, no matter how many positive messages we give out about being "allies" or good Samaritans or whatever, there will still be predatory people who will prey on the vulnerable. So if you know yourself to be vulnerable, take precautions. Travel in groups, travel only by day, stay in well-lit places with lots of other people around so you can call for help if needed. You need a strategy for how you're going to cope with harassment or assault if it happens, because sooner or later, it probably will - sooner if you're a female between the ages of 12 and 40.
I think you're absolutely correct. If you can stand up to some guy then all the better but a raft of strategies should always be in play. You have some good suggestions there.
It's not an answer for *everyone*, but it's an answer for more women than would like admit. Circumstances vary too. Some situations are more dangerous than others. Others, like three drunk guys on a subway, less so.
That happens too.