There’s been a lot of talk recently in the media about how women should be treated and how to treat those who think otherwise.
Why is this still an issue in 2016? Half of the world’s population is female. Aren’t we past this sort of thing?
Here are a few boundaries and expectations for those endorsing “locker room talk.”
- If there’s something you wouldn’t say about a man, don’t say it about a woman.
- If there’s something you wouldn’t say TO a man, don’t say it to a woman, either.
- It’s okay to look, but don’t leer. Creeping is neither attractive nor friendly.
- The touching and grabbing thing? It’s called Bodily Integrity. Look it up. You know what? Never mind… here you go:
Bodily integrity is the inviolability of the physical body and emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and the self-determination of human beings over their own bodies. It considers the violation of bodily integrity as an unethical infringement, intrusive, and possibly criminal.
Here comes the hypocritical part: don’t Vampires violate bodily integrity all the time?
It’s true: too many of us do, and we’re built for it. We can make you forget we ever touched you, bit you, or took something that didn’t belong to us without permission. I’ll go so far as to admit this is more often the rule than the exception — and no, not killing you isn’t any better of an excuse. “I’m sorry I violated you, but hey, at least you’re still alive.”
There’s also the argument that human beings don’t ask permission to slaughter cows, chickens, or pigs — they’re just food. True, but humans aren’t just food. You’re sentient, self-aware, and understand what’s happening to you. Okay, farm animals don’t… well, hmm. Fine — maybe they do know, and it’s not like they can save themselves. How did this turn into a Vegan message?
THAT escalated quickly.
So let’s say “bad” Vampires enjoy the locker room talk and violating bodily integrity. You don’t want to be like them, do you?
To recap: watch your mouth, watch your hands, and show some respect.
You don’t always know who you’re talking to when you’re out and about, and maybe you’re not the alpha predator in this little documentary.
Ever watch Animal Planet?
Keep each other safe.
~ Janiss
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