Sexual Harassment: Harassment (typically of a woman) in a workplace, or other professional or social situation, involving the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks.
Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.
"Typically of a woman".
Let that sink in. The world we live in is even defined as a woman being harassed. It's in our definitions. Our workplaces. Our schools. Our streets. Our homes.
Women Taking A Stand
On Facebook, a new phrase going around is "Me, too." Followed by, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote "Me, too” as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem."
Women actually taking a stand, raising awareness of a huge problem. Imagine that?! And then even better! A man, getting insulted at women doing something for themselves! Imagine. THAT.
If you're a man and you're angry about being stereotyped and blamed for rape culture, YOU are the problem.
"Me, too" is NOT about men.
Yes, men can get sexually harassed and assaulted. Women, myself included, understand this. We really do. HOWEVER, this is not about men. For once, this is women uplifting women. This is women using a platform, using their voice that gets shut down so often, to make a powerful statement about the magnitude of sexual harassment and assault.
So, no. "Me, too" is not about you, men. This is not about blaming men for rape culture. This is about showing the impact of how often it occurs. And I'm going to tell you right now, none of those women were "asking for it."
So before you get all defensive, and start making rhetorical remarks, think about what YOU can do, as a man to change this, if you want to be involved so badly.
Speak up. Make a change. Help a woman if you see her getting harassed or assaulted of ANY kind.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or harassed, I encourage you to call or text the National Hotlines for help and resources.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center Hotline - 1-877-739-3895
Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Safe Helpline for Sexual Assault Support for the DoD Community - 1-877-995-5247
Text VOICE to 741-741
