In the 17th century, most doctors thought that babies were made by God blessing a moral union. Even in the 20th century, the popular opinion was that eating fat was bad and smoking was good for you. You get the idea, facts are fluid. Or at least subjective.
The philosopher Immanuel Kant ran with this idea and developed a whole theory of perception. All human experience of the world is based on not only the external world but also the concepts in the mind that we use to process what we see, hear, feel. The women’s movement (I hesitate to call it feminist) that is gaining momentum at the moment has attracted a lot of differing views.
In my liberal bubble, I took for granted that the feminist campaigns like #metoo and #timesup were good things for society bringing positive change. My husband is fully in agreement. It was only when I started discussing it with some male friends that I realized not everyone thought so.
For me, the feminist movement means loving men, liking men, but having the right not to be harassed by men. It is about not being afraid for our daughters, nieces etc. It is about equal opportunities. It is not about women having power over men.
The arguments thrown my way were about a small percentage of women who have made it a ‘witch-hunt’, persecuting males for historic crimes with little or no proof.
I wish women did not need to re-hash these most awful experiences but they do. Abuse can lead to PTSD, which means recalling the details will lead to physical symptoms like dizziness and pain. Psychological symptoms can include panic attacks, depression, guilt. Not to mention societal effects like putting their careers in jeopardy.
However, the facts need to be told. We cannot have people being fired, shamed and all the rest of it without evidence. Yes, facts are subjective. Yes, they will be argued, belittled and twisted. Yes, there is some grey area around consent. There are two sides to every story.
If nothing else, speaking up will empower the woman and start a conversation. And that is how great movements begin.
Via the Daily Prompt Fact
I am happy that women are talking about harassment. I hope that it brings change, but I am afraid that some false claims will get more attention, and then no one will be believed and the violence will continue.
🙂
Great Post. I think it’s important for people who have been victimised to stand up and speak about it, but I also feel it’s important to teach young boys and girls what is appropriate and inappropriate when it comes to women at home and at work. People don’t just become like that overnight, it’s a result of their conditioning and their life experiences afterall. I also see your friends concerns over it becoming witch hunt, not every person who speaks up is a victim, some just want attention. This post has given me alot to think about about, thankyou.
That’s right – it is a societal thing. It’s about empathy and all having the right to be treated with respect.
And I’m happy that now men are talking about harassment etc, and I hope this theme among men will continue, until it is “socially unacceptable” among men – and women, alike (yes, some women to go OTT somewhat) and that then, the odd male that does perpetuate ill toward women will become ostracized and rejected by other men.
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