I have never been raped, never been sexually abused.

[Novara]

3. Whatsamatter, baby, can't take a compliment?

Have you ever gotten that response when you reacted negatively? I have.

It's not a law enforcement issue; it's a societal issue. It's a respect issue. It speaks to men's entitlement. Men feel entitled to view women as sexual objects for their enjoyment. So they can stare, harass, and hassle women as much as they like because to them we exist for their enjoyment. This starts with shit like "boys will be boys." And the only way it will change is if parents, teachers, and the community refuse to buy into gender-stereotyped behaviors as a given - from when boys are young. If a little boy learns early on that his behavior is excused with a sigh and "boys will be boys," what do you think he'll grow up like? Little girls who act out are disciplined at far greater rates than little boys who act out. Hello?

Someone posted an article here the other day that toys are more gender-stereotyped and separated now than decades ago. We're playing into the differences rather than emphasizing that hey, little boys and little girls are equals. Maybe if we quit making toys pink and blue parents and kids may learn to break out of the sexism box. And learning about "the other" is the best road to respecting "the other."