I'm A Man And I'm Sick Of This 'Locker Room Talk' Excuse
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I'm A Man And I'm Sick Of This 'Locker Room Talk' Excuse

Consent is not this new term that came out of thin air, it has always been there. Stop pretending that it never was.

193
Men

Men, I'm upset with what we have become and what we are seen as. We have not done our job to be protectors of women that are put in vulnerable situations. Instead, we become the predator and that needs to change. We are violating a basic human right known as consent. This needs to stop.

I'm upset, that we are destroying the lives of women around college campuses. We have used social status to make the crime acceptable to commit. We cannot use such a petty thing to overrule the right of women. They have rights just like us and we have done an awful job following it. We are seen as predators and not as protectors. Our job is to protect and not harm.

I'm upset, that we have tucked away all the lessons that we have learned from authority figures. No means no, if she is not into any advances you throw in her direction back off. We have been taught through parents and other figures to respect everyone, but we have tucked it away in favor of taking whatever we want. Would you shake your father's hand with the one you forced upon that woman last night? Better yet, would you dare kiss your mother with the lips you smeared on that same girl? It is sad that we have painted this image for women and that truly is a shame.

I'm upset, that we have justified talking about committing these crimes and calling it "locker room talk". No man should ever joke about such a heinous crime in any setting. This is not locker room talk anymore and never should be. Women should be treated with respect, not as some prize or trophy. The time for joking about any sort of sexual crime in a locker room setting has ended and should have never begun. No more what says stays. When we hear it we question and report. Not just for women, but all of us.

I'm upset, that hearing about sexual assault on college campuses has become a normal spot on the news. Men, we have to do better and it is very frustrating hearing of another man taking advantage of a defenseless woman at a party or anywhere for that matter. Every day it seems there is a new story about sexual assault happening somewhere. This shouldn't be a normal thing to see, but we have failed and have made it a story. Consent is not this new term that came out of thin air, it has always been there. Stop pretending that it never was.

Men, it is time to paint our image the way it should be. Be the one that can be leaned upon in vulnerable situations. Be the one that will always ask for consent before doing anything. Be the one that will always be the protector and not a predator. If we can change this stigma we will no longer be seen as news spots or predators. But, looking the way women are looked, as people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94269
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments