A reassuring message that makes me feel grateful and hopeful.

[ariadne0614]

4. Sexual harassment is a symptom, not the disease.

It seems to me that deeply ingrained cultural misogyny is the real issue. Humanity has been swimming in this toxic stew for thousands of years, and we’re at a point where it has to be addressed in order for us to survive as a species.

That’s why I’m thrilled we’re finally at a point where discussion of sexual harassment is out in the open, and simultaneously concerned that this opportunity will end up being counterproductive if not handled with care. Many men who would not consider engaging in criminal, or even “merely” disgusting behavior toward women, are beginning to realize that they fall somewhere on the continuum of the sexism/misogyny scale. As men (think of the ones you love) grapple with this discomfort, I would rather not rub salt in their wounds.

Men are as victimized by the patriarchal system as the rest of us, and we all need to be gentle with each other as we work through the mess. When the dust settles, we’re still going to be in the soup together, and it’s getting hotter by the minute.