If you think being a man makes you immune, think again. If you care about the health and safety of your female friend, show your support. We live in a culture of rape and violence that constricts us all. Women live in fear as potential and actual victims while men are often forced into the role of unconcerned, flippant sexists because it wouldn't serve machismo to interrupt sexist jokes or speak out on behalf of women. Too often, we fail to realize that while women are the victims of sexual violence, the problem is a man's problem.
Men commit acts of sexual violence against women.
While not every man is a rapist waiting to happen, men often contribute to an environment which condones violence toward women implicitly. All those sexist jokes and anecdotes that guys like to think aren't doing anybody any harm contribute to a hostile environment. We are living in an environment which is, unfortunately, far too dangerous for women. Sara Ziegler, Greg Jerrett, Kate Kompas, Carrie Tett and David Roepke. Copyright 2000 by the Iowa State Daily Publications Board.