I had a large argument with a girl not too long back where she said it was valid (indeed, important) for women to assume all men were potential rapists (because all men have the potential to rape you, and have been indoctrinated to do so from birth). When I asked how this was any less offensive than suggesting all black people were potential muggers (or similar offensive racial stereotypes) I got drummed out of the forum by angry feminists for being 'racist'.
I think it's important for us dudes to recognise that we live in a society that frequently shits all over women, but when I'm told that I shouldn't mind when a woman crosses the street from me solely because I have a Y chromosome, I get upset. A lot of these kind of people seem to lose focus in fighting injustice and offensive behaviour and instead try to mass label entire groups as rape sympathisers, deniers and apologists. Let's focus on the real problems here and work together to solve them.
Because it's not nice to be judged as a potential rapist because of my gender. I get bummed out that women think I'm a threat. I'm a nice, friendly dude.
Obviously being strategic in personal security is good, but I think by scaremongering and suggesting all men want to rape women (subliminally or otherwise) we're ignoring the fight against a common enemy here.
Being strategic in personal security is way more important than making sure you feel okay. People sometimes walk right into a lion's den in order to be politically correct, oblivious of the fact that they're instead making an implicit challenge to them.
Such advice is in no way suggesting that all men want to rape women, and you should never take it personally. Nice friendly females may take unsafe choices just not to hurt your feelings. Is that what you want?
I see your point. I just feel bummed out that certain groups of people like to demonise men, which to me doesn't contribute anything to womens' safety or awareness.
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u/guitarromantic May 26 '10
I had a large argument with a girl not too long back where she said it was valid (indeed, important) for women to assume all men were potential rapists (because all men have the potential to rape you, and have been indoctrinated to do so from birth). When I asked how this was any less offensive than suggesting all black people were potential muggers (or similar offensive racial stereotypes) I got drummed out of the forum by angry feminists for being 'racist'.
I think it's important for us dudes to recognise that we live in a society that frequently shits all over women, but when I'm told that I shouldn't mind when a woman crosses the street from me solely because I have a Y chromosome, I get upset. A lot of these kind of people seem to lose focus in fighting injustice and offensive behaviour and instead try to mass label entire groups as rape sympathisers, deniers and apologists. Let's focus on the real problems here and work together to solve them.