Enough is Enough

Rape threats in response to video

I read this article and the premise is disgusting.  I'll admit I haven't watched the video.  No need.  A Facebook friend posted it and several women ripped a man apart for sharing his opinion -- an opinion that I agree with.

He felt that a man speaking to and/or flirting with a woman is harmless but some of the words and actions were uncalled for. With that sentiment, I agree.  Many women on the post did not.  They felt that it's harassing to be constantly disturbed when walking down the street.  He responded that it's human nature to be bothered by things, that in no way changes them nor makes others wrong for doing them.  With this sentiment, I also agree.  The women did not.  They dismissed him saying that of course he wouldn't understand, he's not a woman.  I had/have a problem with this. I chose not to chime in on Facebook but I'm going to let loose here.  Your comments are welcome.

I have dealt with "flirting" in public.  Some of the catcalls are over the top and the "smile pretty girl" gets so old.  I mean seriously, I may have something on my mind.  But I realize that it's par for the course.  It's a part of life.  It doesn't make it more meaningful because some dude feels he can make my day by saying something asinine but I don't hold it against the entire male species and I don't feel my very pride has been assaulted.  But we all have different perceptions.

I'm totally fine with those women disagreeing with his point of view, be it from personal or perceived experiences.  What I'm not ok with, and this is not just in reference to this topic, is the dismissal of his opinion because of {insert difference here}.  I'm so sick and so tired of people thinking you "don't understand" said situation simply because you "don't have kids," "haven't lost a sibling," "aren't mixed race," or whatever.  It's lame.  Instead of lashing out because someone has a different perspective, maybe we should accept the support of that friend.  It just seems like a better idea to me.

And another thing...
We're constantly griping about men who don't/won't/can't step up and make their intentions known.  I, for one, shake my head every time I hear a dude say he doesn't make a move until he knows for sure the woman is interested in him.  Sounds lame to my ears but since we've degraded our men so much, I guess this is what we have to expect.  We are also the same ones who gripe about not having a man to speak up and/or stand up for us when something goes wrong.

Back to the video,..
As a result of the posting of the video, rape threats were posted in the comments.  First, there is no privacy on the internet.  This move was just not smart.  Second, now the small amount of attention the video had received (5m viewers) has spiraled out of control so you can bet authorities will be involved soon.  I don't think this means a law against speaking to women in public places should be passed; that's ludicrous.  However, men should be respectful enough to know when they've crossed the line.  Hint: posting a rape threat online is definitely crossing the line.

I'm not friends with the gentleman discussed here, but I may just extend a friend request.  Let me watch the video first and get an idea for an intro.  Just kidding.