So. Yet another research about crimes against women. And yet again, the results are predictable. But that doesn’t make them any less shocking, especially when they’re laid out like that, side by side, with the results of a similar research done for men. You’ll see.
Twitter user @JenAshleyWright shared the results of a research done by social researcher Jackson Katz on the things men and women do on a regular basis to avoid being sexually assaulted. And well, see for yourself.
Jackson Katz, a social researcher, asked men what they do on a daily basis to avoid being sexually assaulted. Then he asked women. pic.twitter.com/GjniLR4iIZ
— Jennifer Wright (@JenAshleyWright) September 30, 2018
As you can clearly see, the list of things that a woman has to do to keep sexual assault at bay is a long list. And it’s not even an exhaustive one, FYI. Because women have to do so, so much more.
For men, there isn’t any major thought that goes into it, clearly.
The Tweeple reacted rather strongly to these results.
Not everyone agreed with the credibility of this research; however, one can hardly deny that there is a lot of reality to it. Women do have to be paranoid and keep their safety as their topmost priority for every waking (and even sleeping) minute of their lives.
Whether it’s checking to see the bathroom door is locked, fake-talking over a phone loudly so the men around her will believe she’s expecting company soon, or enforcing deadlines on herself so she can be home before it gets dark.
Some women ventured to add a few more things to the list.
Also: tell a friend where/with whom you go on a first date. Avoid lonely places and roads. Don´t walk alone in parks. Avoid sexual topics when talking to men. Don´t address sexual harrassment at work. Our moms told us most of these at a very young age. The list goes on and on.
— GermanKaKtus (@GermanKaKtus) September 30, 2018
Would add:
“If walking at night and hear someone close behind, stop to let them pass before continuing”.
“invent a boyfriend when talking to male cab drivers.”
“if cab driver is overly familiar or asks about your love life, walk to a different house or building when you get out”.— Claire Nelson (@clairenelson) September 30, 2018
Some of them pointed out how apart from taking care of themselves, they also lookout for other women, to make sure they’re safe.
Yes! My teen & her friends even look out for other women. They once went up to a woman at the mall & pretended she was their teacher. Then they quietly asked her if she knew the guy they’d seen following her around. She didn’t. They walked her to her car when she left.
— Lynn Novak (@MissM4rple) September 30, 2018
Absolutely! I will keep an eye on another woman's drink if she leaves it on a bar or table unattended. We walk each other to our cars, leave together or wait with each other for our Lyft/Uber. Always aware. Always.
— 🍸 Blondish 🍸 (@iluvherbie) September 30, 2018
It sucks that half of the world’s population has to live in constant fear of being sexually assaulted. And even then, it’s not always a sure shot that their safety is guaranted.
I don't think men understand that it's a constant, normal thought process for us. Awareness and carefulness are perpetual and ongoing every day. If we don't, someone can hurt us. This is how we live our lives to try to keep ourselves safe. And even then, it doesn't always work.
— 🍸 Blondish 🍸 (@iluvherbie) September 30, 2018
And it starts very young, and never goes away. Ever.
— Classroom Hamster (@tasteslikesocks) September 30, 2018
In case you’re thinking this was getting into a one-sided argument real soon, it wasn’t. There were plenty of men who offered their own two cents, agreeing primarily that it’s a hugely unsafe world for women out there.
https://twitter.com/ToddMitchem/status/1046730158189641728
There’s no point calling the research biased or unfair to men, because let’s face it—women are more unsafe than men any day, every day.
Men who are saying "we do these things too" to avoid sexual assault (sexual – not robbery or something): No, no we don't. I've never done any of these things, nor have I ever had a single conversation with any man who's ever suggested they do any of these things.
— Simoon Ⓥ (@WaldramSimon) September 30, 2018
In fact, men play a huge role in making women feel safe, as this guy points out.
Instead of saying that what we should be doing is reading this list and making sure we don't do things that make things like this necessary for women. If it's a poorly lit street and you're walking behind a woman, cross the road. If she's coming the other way don't fucking stare.
— Simoon Ⓥ (@WaldramSimon) September 30, 2018
A heartbreaking but necessary reminder of male privilege.
This is a heartbreaking but necessary reminder of male privilege. Us men do take things like this for granted and we shouldn't. Imagine how better the world would be if more women could what the men said. https://t.co/6hi1Qkx3zh
— James Coney (@JoyfulRebelFilm) October 1, 2018
Sucks, doesn’t it? With all the arguments about #NotAllMen going around, all men really need to do is make the other side of that list the same.
Because that would be equality in the truest sense.