Thread: Male Privilege and Female Stigma

The problem is that theres two extremist views with minorities on either sides being so vocal about their rights that they eclipse the majority. As stated above, problems exist on both sides of the spectrum, but what really gets to me is when one side tries to play hero. A good example, and common one is the belief Its wrong to hit women. Yes, theres no denying the statement. But frankly its no more okay to hit a woman as it is to hit a man. Too many times have I come across guys that say this as some sort of status statement. Whether theyre trying to improve their image, or genuinely believe that theres a bigger issue with physically assaulting women than men. I guess Ill never know. Now, before someone decides to argue with the above, I want them to think about why one is worse than the other. If your conclusion is Because women are weak and need to be protected by the nice guys aka your views then youre probably not helping the overall problem much at all. Ive come across this wrong to hit women thing far too many times, with my earliest recollection being back in 9th grade when a girl and a guy had a verbal disagreement on the school bus. I never found out what the argument was about, but it escalated quickly, and the girl lashed out first, scratching the guys face to the point where he needed stiches, and then spitting on his face. Obviously the guy wasnt too happy about it and grabbed her wrist roughly, to which the girl retorted Oh youre such a big man, go on hit a woman, come on The guy never hit her, though I was told her hand got bruised a bit. The problem was that initially they both got suspended. But the girls sentence was repealed by her parents claiming that the guy had sexually harassed her by saying something inappropriate on the bus. What annoyed me more though was that the woman was treated as a victim, and the guy got picked on by other guys as a girl basher so severely that he eventually transferred out. Actually now that I think about it, I recall our science teacher she was in my class congratulating her and saying she did a good job standing up for herself. Another more recent case on the other side of the spectrum, I went out on a Friday evening with a few friends, 2 couples, and 34 single guys. I was one of the latter And we were all sitting at a table having a relatively good time when I noticed one of the girls glancing at her boyfriend constantly a middle eastern guy, a fact that didnt register in my head at the time since Im dumb like that But eventually I asked her if everything was okay, and again she looked at her boyfriend, silently asking for permission, receiving a nod of the head before whispering Or more like whimpering in my ears that she was fine. Being the curious asshole I am, I went the extra mile and asked her insensitively why she kept looking at her boyfriend before answering. She just lowered her eyes, while the guy told me to back off, and stay away from his girl. Got told later on by one of the other guys that Id been a bit insensitive, and that the couple were always like that. And that it was part of their culture. Now, I dont want to turn this into a racial debate, but to me, this feels like the whole religion vs gay marriage deal to me, where an external force is hampering another. I wont challenge them directly to their faces, but if a girl has to ask her boyfriend for permission to speak to other men, thats ridiculous and inappropriate.. Though that said, Ive seen some pretty possessive girlfriends that are like that too xD. --- Finally going back to the whole rape issue, I do agree that a woman shouldnt have to walk around feeling like a target. But personally I think its better to be safe than sorry, and educate women before hand so that they can lower the risks of it occurring to them. Back when this was all over the media, I remember something about not getting drunk in public to reduce the risk.. and I think thats fair enough. But again, same deal as case1, there should be an overall push to keep people from getting completely wasted on those crazy Friday nights. Girls AND Guys. Cant have fun without getting pissed? Well. I suggest finding a new hobby, or getting wasted privately. Focusing on the flaws of women in rape cases isnt a bad thing either in my opinion. Telling a rapist not to rape is like telling a criminal not to commit crimes. Its not very effective, and as most people will be able to tell you. Its a given FACT that rape is wrong. The difference is that the man is immediately labeled guilty and tossed into the conviction bin, while the mediaothers scrutinize the woman to see what possible causes could have attracted the predator. I admit that not as much attention is paid to the predator, but how many times have you heard someone say The guys innocent, she provoked him so its all her fault? I dont think the penalty for the guy should lessen based on provocative clothes or anything, but predators select their targets. They not constantly preying on others and dragging them into alleyways 247, so if theres a feature that attracts them, working to build awareness cant hurt can it? Baba Yaga said It's upsetting that we live in a society that teaches us do not get raped rather than do not rape people. Click to expand... I hear this comment way too often, so Id like to ask for elaboration if possible. Whats an example of a society that teaches Do not rape? Compulsory Do not Rape Classes in education system? Pamphlets and brochures saying Rape is a crime? I could be wrong on this, but Im pretty sure that most legitimate cases, the culprit is well aware that hes actions are wrongpunishable, but going through with it anyway. So I dont think raising awareness on the male side is all that effectively. A point that I do agree with is that something should be done to dissuade males as well and not just focus on women, but what could be done? I have no idea.