Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site boulder.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!bellcore!decvax!genrad!mit-eddie!godot!harvard!seismo!hao!cires!boulder!jon From: jon@boulder.UUCP Newsgroups: net.women Subject: Re: crossing streets Message-ID: <259@boulder.UUCP> Date: Sun, 16-Dec-84 22:17:54 EST Article-I.D.: boulder.259 Posted: Sun Dec 16 22:17:54 1984 Date-Received: Thu, 20-Dec-84 03:00:26 EST Organization: National Center for Atmospheric Research Lines: 35 jdh@hou5g.UUCP (Julia Harper): >But I am suggesting something that you, a man, can do to make the world a >nicer place for a woman -- even a woman you don't know. This suggestion >was made in good faith. I don't think it's difficult, I do think it is >a gift that men can give women. Yet every (just about) response by >a man has been to tell women that he will do nothing, and that all >responsibility should lie in her hands. You know, I really try hard to understand women, and to treat them with the respect and friendship that they deserve. I have been told that I do fairly well (most of the time). But I feel hurt when confronted with the attitude displayed in the message above. You see, I just do not like being treated as a violent criminal. My upbringing in the middle of Wyoming did not emphasize treating women as equals; it takes a real effort. This is an effort that I am willing to make, because equal they truly are. Is it too much to ask to be treated as an equal too? I am not a rapist, and I carry no infectious diseases; I don't see why I should have to yield the sidewalk to any other person. Rape, and all the other problems faced by women as they try to take their rightful part in the world, will never be solved as long as either sex treats the other as enemies. My crossing the street will not improve any woman's chances of avoiding rape, since I am not a rapist. It will only put another barrier between men and women, and is thus counterproductive. I realize that my attitude does nothing for the woman who wonders if she is about to be grabbed. I wish I knew how to solve that problem. I do know that expecting me to cross the street every time I encounter a woman will not. Besides, what if there is a woman on the other side too? If I suddenly cross the street toward her, would she not be even more upset than before? -- Jonathan Corbet National Center for Atmospheric Research, Field Observing Facility {seismo|hplabs}!hao!boulder!jon