Question for all the male members of DU

[bhikkhu]

78. Not an easy question, and clearly its something that many struggle with

I can say that it is possible for me to imagine taking advantage, but that I never would - that was a decision I made when I was just a kid. Its as much a part of my identity as anything is. I was raised well, in a supportive family of good people (including my mom, my grandma, my great grandma, and 5 aunts - all strong and capable women). Whatever my hormones or over-active imagination might have said through the years, I absolutely would not harass, abuse or try to exercise power or anything of the sort over a girl or a woman; won't, couldn't.

If I had to answer the question of why some people can and do, I'd have to say its a matter of something missing in their minds. It might be role models, or some inner sense of self, or the decision (or the capacity to decide) to live as a good person.