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From: swc@cbscc.UUCP (Scott W. Collins)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Re: Rape: The Unresolved Trauma
Message-ID: <4323@cbscc.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 11-Dec-84 08:25:57 EST
Article-I.D.: cbscc.4323
Posted: Tue Dec 11 08:25:57 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 12-Dec-84 05:34:24 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories , Columbus
Lines: 36

,

Regarding the thought of men crossing to the other side when
seeing a woman approach on a deserted street:

I can see the rationale behind this, but I refuse to perpetuate the feeling
of "women better steer clear of men on an empty street".  If the woman wants,
she can cross over. Then, if the guy crosses over, too, she may have something
to worry about.  If I cross over automatically, then I will miss the opportunity
to gaze into the eyes of someone new, or even an established friend.  Many a
time I have exchanged a smile and a muttered a greeting with a stranger.

In fact, one night I was already on the other side of the (empty) street and
I saw this gal dragging her chin along the sidewalk.  I went over on an impulse
to see what was wrong and it turned out she had just broken up with her
boyfriend.  I gave her a hug and a smile as she whimpered and sent her on her
way (I didn't want to chance an imposition).  Turns out that the next day or so
brought a personal in the (school) newspaper from her saying "Thanks, etc.".

So, I intend to try to help alleviate the problem of instant animosity when
two MOTOS meet on a lonely street.  If she decides to cross over, I will not
mind. In fact, I probably won't even know other than to assume that she has
to get somewhere.

The only possible drawback I can forsee in my actions is that if I help some
women relax on such confrontations, they may do so at (wrong) other  times. So,
from this standpoint, staying away is safe as you never know what kind of
dude you will run up against.

I guess the women will have to decide for themselves...[as if we didn't know
that in the first place].

Scott W. Collins
ATT - Bare Rubber Trees
Columbus, OH
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