“I think that some feminists recoil from any suggestion that women might dress for other (often male) people — especially when wearing exercise clothing — because it seems to fall into the “she had it coming” kinds of justifications that we see time and time again in cases of sexual harassment and assault. But enjoying in-person gazes, the fantasy of being gazed at, or online “hey call me” type comments are different, and I don’t think that these behaviors are on the same continuum as violence against women.”

Yes, yes they do. And no, not the same continuum. At all. This line sums it up nicely: “Those gazing trolls and fans may look, they may admire, they may desire, but your barely concealed bodies are not meant for them: they are meant to wield social and narcissistic power. They are Spectacular.”

It’s so strange how neither of us originally mentioned sexual assault, but here we are, addressing it. Why? Because “some feminists” have conflated normal, healthy male sexuality with rape culture. It’s as wrong as conflating how a woman dresses with her sexual availability, willingness and “implied” consent. We don’t like that so much, do we?

It’s also interesting that some feminists call rape/SA a “women’s issue.” It isn’t. It’s a human issue. How many sexual assaults against men occur in prisons all over the country, every day? Meh, who cares. They’re criminals. “They had it coming.” Yeah, no one’s talking about that.

Thanks for your comment (reply?) :) Happy writing~Cheers