Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site dataio.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!whuxlm!whuxl!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!uw-june!entropy!dataio!del From: del@dataio.UUCP (Erik Lindberg) Newsgroups: net.women Subject: non-sexual/denominational opinion on crossing streets Message-ID: <526@dataio.UUCP> Date: Fri, 21-Dec-84 17:39:12 EST Article-I.D.: dataio.526 Posted: Fri Dec 21 17:39:12 1984 Date-Received: Sun, 23-Dec-84 01:07:35 EST Organization: Data I/O Corp., Redmond WA Lines: 45 < eatme > The discussion here is missing the point, and I am already separating this into a new discussion not particularily related to the original topic of rape. The whole thing seems to have degenerated into a discussion of whether men owe women this courtesy, whether they should do it as a gift, or if it is just common decency. With arguments against mostly either claiming they can't be bothered worrying about it, they're too proud (or along that line) or saying it should be up to the women. ***** Well try this on for size: I wish to treat a woman as an equal, in fact to make no delineation between wo/men other than (obviously) sexually and the personal relationships that might result between interested parties. Now, after the above, there are only people in the world. When a person feels uncomfortable in a situation involving another person, it is their responsibility to determine whether to avoid the situation (like crossing the street), or to confront it (like putting on whatever kind of airs). It is not the responsibility of any person to expend any effort anticipating other peoples' insecurities (with the possible exception of people in an alien culture). This is not only a waste of effort (more often than not), but can even be construed as insulting, demeaning, etc. Note that this is not a description of utopia, but of what our society (and NOW, ERA, etc) claims to be working toward: equality. Yes, I do get a little excited when someone suggests that men should cross the streets to avoid frightening women, but that has nothing at all to do with the fact that they are women. Simply that I feel that no problem was ever solved by trying to compensate for it with a reaction that skirts (no pun intended) the issue. If you want to do someone a favor, try doing something direct. Like take them where they need to go. Sorry I have no answer to the bigger question. Erik Lindberg AKA del ...!uw-beaver!teltone!dataio!del ( Life is like a rose. It looks pretty, but don't grab on too tight! )