Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site cbscc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!cbsck!cbscc!swc 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 ihnp4!cbscc!swc