The hashtag #YesAllWomen has recently exploded across social media, following a shooting at UCSB. Men across the nation, including friends of mine, have been in uproar over the generalization of the male population portrayed by this trend. I'll be the first to admit that I see where they are coming from, but at the same time?
I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of the #YesAllWomen movement, and here is why. Coming from a woman who is not a feminist, a "man hater," an "oppressed minority." Just a small-town girl living in a big city, trying to find her way in the world.
#YesAllWomen because...
I'm afraid to walk outside alone at night.
I am constantly patronized by men. Whether about my strength, intelligence, or abilities.
I am not "asking for it," when I wear a sundress, shorts, or a low-cut top.
By asking people to not use "rape" out of context, I am constantly told that I take things too seriously.
My drink being drugged is a legitimate concern.
And not just by setting it down, horror stories have me afraid of even the bartender.
I don't take the stairs in parking garages when I am alone.
Society has made it an acceptable saying that "No means yes."
"No" should be the end of discussion, not the beginning.
I can't mention wanting to travel abroad without being reminded that I'm "a pretty, young blonde American." so I shouldn't, because that is dangerous.
I was taught how to hold my keys when walking alone.
The number of Facebook posts I am shared about how to protect myself in the city.
I have been told women are meant to be seen, and not heard.
And that their place is in the kitchen, not the court room.
Of the stares I get as a female, walking into the free weight section of the gym.
I am judged for crossing the street to avoid a stranger, because he "isn't like that."
Even Satan needs consent to enter someone's body.
Going on a date with someone doesn't mean I owe them anything. That's called prostitution.
A girl in my college town was sexually assaulted and videotaped, then given a gag order so she did not "ruin her attackers lives."
Women around the world are being killed, assaulted, mistreated every single day simply because they are women.
Of the double-standard between men and women when it comes to sex.
She is a harlot and he is praised.
"Blurred Lines" is as popular as it is.
Men feel no qualms about being homophobic and bigoted toward homosexuals, when they are simply feeling how women feel every single day.
1 in 4 women will be the victim of domestic violence in their lifetime.
I should be able to go out in public without the fear of being groped on the subway.
I completely agree that "Not all men are like that."
But too many of these things have happened to me to not feel that there are enough.
This is happening everyday. Everywhere. It is happening to your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your girlfriends, your friends. It is happening to people you know, people you love, people you care about.
So, guys, just take a minute to think about that before you spout off about "feminism" and why #YesAllWomen is a crock. Think of us when you're feeling homophobic. Think of us when you make a joke about "dropping the soap." Think of us when you give us a hard time about walking us to the car, about being a stickler for watching you pour our drinks, when we cuss you out for catcalling us in a gas station parking lot.
For you it's a joke. For us? It could be a matter of life and death.
"Not ALL men harass women. But ALL women have, at some point, been harassed by men. Food for thought." - Adelaide Kane
