In the wake of the Me-Too movement and incidents of sexual assault witnessing a rise across the world, a social researcher asked men and women an important question:
What do you do to avoid being sexually assaulted on a daily basis? And the answer, though hard-hitting, did not come as a surprise.
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
In sharp contrast to 34 answers on the women’s side, there is just one on the men’s side.
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.
— Simon Waldram Ⓥ (@WaldramSimon) September 30, 2018
This is a very apt indicator of the kind of world we live in.
What I don’t see on that list is act crazy. One night I had to walk home alone in the dark. I put my coat hood up in an odd manner, periodically shook my water bottle furiously, and talked aloud to myself using an angry tone. I felt safer doing it but dunno if it was effective?
— Anorahs R Us (@DCSharon) September 30, 2018
To the extent that for most of us, the thought of being sexually harassed comes first to the mind and being robbed or killed, later.
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
And age doesn’t matter, either.
And it starts very young, and never goes away. Ever.
— BH (@tasteslikesocks) September 30, 2018
Women shared other things that they do, in the thread, and it is just a sad reminder of what all we do to reach home safe.
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.
— Iluvherbie (@iluvherbie) September 30, 2018
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
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.
— Mona Vaccaro (@mona_vaccaro) September 30, 2018
I am always sharing my location with my brother from my phone. Sad I have to, but does provide a little peace of mind. I also send contact and pictures to him of dates. Even second/third dates.
— Wanderlust Miss (@Wanderlust_miss) September 30, 2018
So true… that’s a very compelling difference. I find myself recommending many of these to my daughter. So very sad.
— Misunderstood Ninja (Wu Tang Name) aka Theresa (@TBoisseauATX) September 30, 2018
Drive past my house and circle the neighborhood for a while if there is someone behind me.
— My Lit Pony🌹🐝 (@disneyphish) September 30, 2018
We don’t want another generation of young girls not going out of the house after a certain time because they fear being sexually assaulted.
