Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: notesfiles Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!genrad!mit-eddie!godot!harvard!seismo!cmcl2!acf4!greenber From: greenber@acf4.UUCP Newsgroups: net.women Subject: Re: rape and streetwalking Message-ID: <10400028@acf4.UUCP> Date: Fri, 21-Dec-84 15:22:00 EST Article-I.D.: acf4.10400028 Posted: Fri Dec 21 15:22:00 1984 Date-Received: Sun, 23-Dec-84 08:28:08 EST References: <602@burl.UUCP> Organization: New York University Lines: 47 Nf-ID: #R:burl:-60200:acf4:10400028:000:2210 Nf-From: acf4!greenber Dec 21 15:22:00 1984 <> I've been watching this discussion and it seems to come down to a few differing viewpoints: 1) The majority of women are asking for some "extra" courtesy 2) The majority of men are saying "No way, Jose" 3) Some men are saying "C'mon guys....you must understand...." My viewpoint is a little different. Howzabout the guy crosses the street whenever it is dark and lonely, so the women on the street do not fear him. If there is a women on both sides of the street, he turns around and goes home. If there are more women then men on the current side of the street, then the women go home. If the guy's socks don't match, then they both go home. Obviously the above is a :-). But really, it isn't much for the guy to cross the street. And it isn't much for the women to express her appreciation by yelling a simple "Thanks". Now both sides have gone out of their way to make another feel better/safer. But doesn't this bring up the old "women are the weaker of the sexes, men should look out for them, and therefore women should stay at home, barefoot and pregnant" syndrome? As soon as women start competing in this supposed "male-dominated" world they deserve the same privledges as anyone else in the same marketplace. And, of course, the same disadvantages. So I shouldn't get up and offer a working women my sit on the bus --- she wanted equality, now pay for it with sore feet. And sometimes I feel unsafe in certain areas of town (I live in the big city -- you know, NYC). But I take the responsibility of my actions: If I'm going to be in an unsafe area of town (which is foolish, no matter why or who!), then I don't expect anyone to look out for my worries. Why do women (or at least the vocal women on the net) seem to request this special privledge? Nobody said that equality was all good... I have a major problem with any discriminated against group seeking special favours whilst they argue for equality. Seek the special favours and be dependant upon the scraps that society throws you, or throw off all chains, seek no special privledge, and demand what is yours: equality, in every sense of the word. Ross M. Greenberg @ NYU ----> allegra!cmcl2!acf4!greenber <----