The Invisible Reality That Women Live In

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by derAlte

This is a very interesting topic. As a naïve white guy, I was dismayed to find out that my African-American son-in-law and his family have to take similar actions to avoid ugly confrontations. Unfortunately, I was surprised to find out they are exposed to race-inspired hostility rather frequently. I had no idea. Makes me sick. It breaks my heart to hear my grandson tell me that already in third grade he gets called the "N" word or "poop stain," because of the color of his skin. Lily-white Grandpa doesn't know what to say.

Wow. That's rough.

I guess all we can do is try to put such mindsets behind us as individuals.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Both men and women are potential victims of assault. Both should be wary and street smart.

Women need to be more cautious in general because they are typically smaller and not as strong as a man, but a glock can be an equalizer.

Even a man could be sexually assaulted at gunpoint.

I know that factually you're absolutely correct.

But honestly, I don't ever remember leaving the house afraid of being sexually assaulted or even considering preventative measures to avoid being sexually assaulted.

It has just never entered my mind.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Traveling alone can be very dangerous in this day and age. Its always good to have a compadre with you.

Also, criminals look for people whose body language says the person is unsure or preoccupied. It also helps to avoid bad areas. Situational awareness goes a long way.

Good advice.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

What kind of man doesn't give thought to his wife's, daughters', and mother's safety?

That wasn't what I wasn't thinking about.

I wasn't thinking about the extent to which women routinely go to protect themselves from sexual assault. It was just interesting insight into a day in the life of a woman. And that got me thinking about how many other things are routine for a woman that I might not give much thought to.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Originalist

As a white male, I'm starting to look over my shoulder more. We are the new target of choice of left wing nutcases of all races.

I grew up running around Third Ward and other choice neighborhoods in Houston and San Antonio. I learned to be aware of my surroundings a long time ago. I was sneaking out at night when I was 12, joyriding in cars when I was 14, first night in jail at 17. Spent many a Friday night on Elgin St in my high school days, was running around homeless in downtown Galveston at 19.

The idea that a man under the age of 65 might not have his head on a swivel at all times is literally beyond my comprehension.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by aegsm76

When I first saw this list (I think it was late last week), I queried the women I know about it.
Almost all of them said this list was a bunch of baloney.
Now, some of them have been harassed and even assaulted, but they said they have never done all of the things on this list.
Just more self-flagellation from a someone seeking attention

Try to remember that this list represents the kind of list created by a group of women in a seminar style setting. Certainly anyone with common sense knows that every woman doesn't do every single thing on the list. Personally, I don't know any single women who have a man's voice on their answering machine. But, I don't doubt that some women might, based on their location or dating circumstances.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBukaroo

I know women who do practice some of the things listed on this list. Most of what is listed is indeed practical. I have advised women (even the Mrs and my owner younger sister) to do some of those practical things.

Me too. But a few of the things on the list I just never considered.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Aquila

That wasn't what I wasn't thinking about.

I wasn't thinking about the extent to which women routinely go to protect themselves from sexual assault. It was just interesting insight into a day in the life of a woman. And that got me thinking about how many other things are routine for a woman that I might not give much thought to.

What? You never gave much thought to what? To what dangers women face and what they can/should do to be safe? Or do you mean you haven't given much thought to what it's like wearing a maxipad or a tampon, perming the hair, waxing your legs, color coordinating your outfits, or trying to figure out which pair of shoes go with Wednesday?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

What? You never gave much thought to what? To what dangers women face and what they can/should do to be safe? Or do you mean you haven't given much thought to what it's like wearing a maxipad or a tampon, perming the hair, waxing your legs, color coordinating your outfits, or trying to figure out which pair of shoes go with Wednesday?

I told you what I hadn't given much thought to.

And, that caused me to wonder what other things are routine in a woman's life that I'm not aware of.

And no, I'm not talking about the things you've mentioned. I'm talking about things that perhaps women don't even think of disclosing or discussing. Or perhaps things they just feel we'll never understand.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I told you what I hadn't given much thought to.

It read like you hadn't given much thought to women's safety issues.