I just got out of my social policy class, where we talked about domestic violence and sexual abuse.
-Children in DV homes are 6X as likely to commit suicide
-Child abuse is 15X more likely to occur in DV homes
-50-75% of batterers abuse their children
I live with three guys. About a month ago, they (along with one of their friends) would say horrendously sexist things to me. "Silence!" was one thing said to me when I would talk or ask a question, among other things.
I was caught utterly off guard. I have encountered sexism in my life, but never has it been so blatant.
I said something that brought it to a stop, but it still crops up now and then (usually via the friend who comes over).
They really are good guys, and I am very happy to be living with them. The fact is that I know they're above comments like that, and that's what frustrates me.
After today, I don't think I can help but being fierce in responding to even the tiniest of comments implying degradation of women. I've been assertive, but maybe it takes more than that.
There's too much at stake.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Posted by swallowtail10 at 12:13 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Ick. Please tell me that you're not planning on staying with them.
It's one thing to be joking about it, but it's another to be "horrendous".
We're going to have to do something together this Christmas break.
We will have to do something, I agree . . .
Things have dramatically improved, and if anything I learned something from it.
Oh what a world . . .
Kudos to you for your resolve! I had a number of sexually uncomfortable comments made to me this past summer at my (male dominated) workplace, even by my supervisor, and I didn't have the backbone to say anything to them.
I have regretted it ever since, given that I am no longer in a position to report their behavior, and I agree that people - especially women - definitely need to take a firm, self-respecting position.
What makes all of this the more ironic is that I'm not at all what one would remotely classify as a "feminist" - so I'm looking forward to the day when this issue becomes less identified by the general population with "radical" ideals and is actually assimilated into all levels of our culture.
Post a Comment