(no subject)

[wispfox]

All of the conversations that have sprung up as a result of that now-infamous post re asking to touch women's breasts just make me _tired_.

Tired of living in a world where one of the ealiest things taught to me that I remember struggling to learn was to carry myself as if I knew where I was going and what I was doing, even if I did not (I was very easily lost, very trusting, and very naive).

Tired of having to think, any time I go outside alone at night, especially in an unfamiliar area, if it's safe, if I'm dressed in ways to catch unwanted attention.

Tired of needing to consider whether or not my wanting to dress up in fun/flirty clothing is going to cost me too much in social energy and awareness, both in terms of extra attention and in terms of safety.

Tired of knowing, and _being_ one of, so many women who have been raped, have had unwanted sexual contact from a sibling, have been pressured into being sexually involved with a guy because we just got so tired of saying 'no'.

Tired of knowing that I'm one of the lucky ones. No co-workers of any sort at any time have tried anything. The sibling incident was once, for me. I have never been beaten by anyone at any point. I was able to be sheltered enough growing up that my deep confusion at what people think is normal and right did not end up causing serious damage.

Tired of knowing that so many rapes go unreported, including my own until a _long_ time later. Tired of knowing that I, as with many, many others, blamed myself. Which is why it took so long to call it what it was.

Tired of knowing that domestic abuse is _so damn common_. Indeed, I might almost say expected, in some circles.

That the phrase 'a nice guy' makes me cringe.

That I was so surprised the first time a guy I was dating wanted to go to Take Back The Night with me.

Just. Tired.

Comments

[randysmith]

*nod*

(Almost did "*nodhugs*" and decided it was a little counter to the spirit of the post. But they're there if you want them.)

[wispfox.livejournal.com]

Hugs are not counter to the spirit of the post. At least not when from people I know and am comfortable with.

[randysmith]

*nodhugs* :-}

[majes.livejournal.com]

Yes. Also tired.

[aquaeri.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's the reason for my didn't-we-do-this-already tag. Can't it be over? Can't we get on with actual life rather than devoting so much energy to protecting ourselves?

[wispfox.livejournal.com]

Yeah...

[laurion]

I'm tired of living in a world where people have to feel this way, react this way, or suffer this way.

I'm also tired of worrying if I'm ever That Guy, and of worrying that I'm going to set off someone's defensive reactions accidentally through an inadvertent word, gesture, or action taken in an unfortunate context.

[wispfox.livejournal.com]

I'm also tired of worrying if I'm ever That Guy, and of worrying that I'm going to set off someone's defensive reactions accidentally through an inadvertent word, gesture, or action taken in an unfortunate context.

Yup...