Break Up the Boy's Club
A man dresses impeccably in a custom tailored suit. Silk tie, Omega watch, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a diamond engagement ring. He is jumped and the criminals take his watch, wallet and engagement ring. Did he ask for it? Did dressing nicely, taking advantage of success in the white collar world, imply consent?
Of course not. Why would any officer of the law think a woman was asking to be raped? Not only has the banished Stanford rapist been freed for good behavior- most men who do what he did get away with it- George Mason University has had two rapes in this new school year.
Never take what is not yours. The impetus for this missive arose from a recent court ruling. If this does not incense you to the core: someone voted for this judge.https://cnn.it/2cVf51O. It is hard to keep your knees together when they are pulled apart by some entitled man.
What is wrong with our culture that behavior of this nature can be justified? Judges can apologize after the fact. When they say absurd things in their domain (the courtroom) one wonders where justice lies.
No means no. I was raised in an environment where adults said women who say no actually mean yes. Don't ask. Adults were wrong about quite a few things. No woman wants to be raped. It is a violation that goes against the beauty of the most loving of acts. No matter how much anyone has had to drink The Golden Rule applies. You have to listen to your partner. If they say "Stop" or "No" put on the brakes. If you would not want it done to you, why do this to someone else?
The spotlight needs to be shone on judges who treat this crime in a frivolous manner. Do these judges not have daughters? Sisters? Wives? The culture needs to change so that men do not feel entitled to do what they want to the detriment of women trying to enjoy a night out and judges need to treat crimes seriously instead of making suggestions to men how to get away with violation as this judge did.
Administrator I at State of Delaware
8 年Very thought provoking comments and they are very true. Unfortunately, if you know our history, you will see that this mindset continues to prevail. I continue to find it quite ironic that when a woman gets the courage to report a rape....immediately her entire life is in question and can be used against her, however the accused (often) gets to have thrown out anything detrimental against him.
Building teams and projects to support resilience in a changing environment
8 年In Canada we do not elect our judges. They are appointed, based on experience and knowledge. I guess this guy talked his way in.
Executive Secretary for Workforce Development at North Central Workforce Development Board
8 年Amen!
Using my proven knowledge/expertise in Administration to the advantage of a Great Employer. Unfluencer??
8 年Excellent article. Just shows how judgements need to be made on factors that are deeper than the initial impression.
Hospitality Leader - Author
8 年I never understood why I elect judges. I generally know little about them. They aren't supposed to be biased. If you run for office, you probably are biased. I could have elected this judge (he's not in my district) and not known why or much about him in general. I have 3 sisters (all older), no brothers. I have 2 daughters. I have been surrounded by women my whole life. Even my dogs are girls. I guess it's my fate and I'm ok with that...but being the only 'man' (I use that term for me loosely) around has left me with some sense of protection/responsibilty. I'm not saying they need it...or that I'm qualified, but it's just a feeling I get. So, I hope no one is dumb enough to hurt my sisters or daughters. Sarah Elkins?