I'm wary to post in here. These topics are always so hot button. So many absolutes going on. It's not 100% of any group of people.
- Chanting at a girl to show her tits (or anyone to show any part of their body, gender being irrelevant -- yes, friends and I have had pissed drunk women and men screaming to "show us your dick") is not ok. I feel like this is a pretty simple concept to understand. Men can generally laugh that type of thing off and keep moving without a thought, and I don't want to resume to know a womens thought process, but it seems to stem from a fear that if they don't, the crowd will get more aggressive and eventually physical. Obviously, in terrible circumstances, this has been the case before and it breeds fear for future incidents. But is it fair to paint all men or all male Flames fans as potential assault risks because of this? Maybe so for their own safety and piece of mind. This is really the basic question. Obviously us stand up men don't want to seen as a sexual deviant just by association, but we are. Just like not all women going down there want to be seen as an object to cheer for just by association, but they are. Would it be nice to change? Absolutely. You're going to have to find a way re-wire (or keep out of public) a lot of people though.
- Cheering when a girl, of her own free will, decides to flash a crowd is just a natural response. The crowd chanting for more afterwards is also a natural response. Don't flash your boobs if you don't want people to see them or ask for more. Everyone has cameras. There are greasy basterds who will take your picture and put it somewhere for other people to see. This is not even remotely ok, but it is a reality. If you don't accept that reality and then show your boobs and are surprised it pops up on some website, it's not your fault but it is a predictable consequence of what you're doing. Be smart. Find a respectful guy that you like and show them your goods in private.
- Guys, if you are screaming/chanting at unsuspecting and nonparticipating women, you are scum. If you want to see their boobs, you could try talking to them and enjoying the fun atmosphere with them. Maybe you'll get lucky. If you aren't comfortable with this, go find a class on making friends and socializing yourself. Or porn.
- Dads, your daughters are not all perfect pictures of class, respectfulness and purity. We've all met women who are on the less than savory end of the spectrum. There are girls who are doing this out of their own free will and they can if they want. Newsflash** they have parents and fathers. Your little girl might get off by showing her tits to crowds. Of course you're wanting to be protective as a parent, but let's not be naive here.
Unfortunately, there are situations that are different for men and women, and it's really awful that a good amount of women may not feel safe in that scenario. It's supposed to be a fun way to celebrate a common cause, but as usually some idiots ruin things. And the inclusion of alcohol tends to increase the amount of idiots.
I do think that what is happening here is the most appropriate way to deal with it. Make girls and guys alike aware of it. Make men understand how the chanting makes the girls feel and that it's not the "compliment" they may think it is, and in fact, is very degrading and potentially scary to most. Girls, if you want to hit the RedMile, be smart about it. We'd like to change it, and there are people who will stand up for you, but don't count on them being around. Bring a guy you trust, or travel in a pack of women which includes that bitchy friend who scares off all the guys (you all have at least one). It is indeed sad that you have to think that way and take those precautions, but if you don't you're opening yourself up to it.****
**** This is not blaming women!!! This is acknowledgment of a reality. If you don't protect yourself against reality, you could become a victim of reality.
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