Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site watarts.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!watarts!molefeuvre From: molefeuvre@watarts.UUCP (Michael O LeFeuvre) Newsgroups: net.women Subject: Re: using public anger to avoid attacks/harrassment Message-ID: <8198@watarts.UUCP> Date: Tue, 8-Jan-85 14:30:15 EST Article-I.D.: watarts.8198 Posted: Tue Jan 8 14:30:15 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 9-Jan-85 02:06:19 EST References: <1767@wateng.UUCP> <709@ames.UUCP> <10594@watmath.UUCP> Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario Lines: 23 It is not clear to me whether JAMcmullen speaks of a "cold, deadening stare" and anger as a constant stance in public places or as a response to a specific threat. I agree with Ken Barry that it is not a very desirable as a constant attitude towards the world. Victims of assault (physical or verbal) are chosen by a subtle process of evaluation. If the potential aggressor percieves victim as vulnerable (mentally or physically), attack is more likely. That perception can be prevented by replacing constant fear with constant anger, but constant anger is not the only way. Simple absence of fear does a great deal. Agression and anger are not the same thing. Men who attack passing women with leers or comments are being agressive but not angry or hateful. If women should not introduce anger and hate to the scene as a response if it is not necessary. Lack of fear and self-confidence are adequate in most cases. Although I am male, I have dealt with some of this. When I was sixteen, I was leered at or propositioned by gay men in several incidents. I niether feared nor hated the men in question, I ignored them or answered quietly and very firmly -- i.e. with confidence. Carlo @ the U of Waterloo