Hi guys I been reading this blog for about 1-2 years I have been a feminist since I was 9 (I'm 19 now) and I wrote this article (More of a p.s.a) to encourage girls to report sexual harassment. and it got published in the school newspaper! So here your go!
Decency by me
While a few of our male classmates thinks it’s “funny” to touch or punch us, it really is not I. I believe that we females say now that a good percentage of these boys will not stop. Some boys think it’s funny to touch us and grab us by the butt or make to call us ho, b---- to us. I’m glad I live in state where were my rights as an individual are respected, but but I sadly see that some of my classmates (mostly male) believe it their right to touch, grope, say lewd things to their fellow classmates. Fortunately I see some victims fight back telling them to back off or even kicking them. They do the right thing fighting back, but unfortunately I see some of my classmate do not fight back, and it's not because they are enjoying it. Some think they are not able to fight back due to physical strength and/or they are afraid to make a scene. I understand it's hard; I've been through it. But you didn’t ask to have some classmates grope you or to pinch you or call you a lesbian if they don’t date you. It's not your fault. The fact is that it is called sexual harassment and not only is it wrong, it’s illegal. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission it Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 . Sexual harassment is an umbrella term and can be any unwanted and unwelcome behavior, or attention, of a sexual nature that interferes with your life. Sexual advances, forced sexual activity, statements about sexual orientation or sexuality, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature all constitute sexual harassment according sexual harassment support.I understand a lot of girls have problems saying "no," but it’s your body and no one is allowed to touch it without your permission. Speak out not only for your sake but for the sake of others who may lack the courage to speak out . Keep in mind there is a law against it, so the law is on your side. I know it's scary, say "no" or "stop", say no be assertive. Tell the person who is hurting yout to stop, sometimes that may work. Fortunately we have the Wellness Center to help you or, possibly, talk to ( and I know this sounds like a cliché) an adult or a friend . As for the boys who think is funny to do such things, do society a favor, stop it. If you don’t stop it, someone else will make you stop it. Women are not toys and when they say "no" you should listen. Do not think you can pass through life treating people like property. Granted, American pop culture is misogynistic, but please do yourself and the human race a favor and behave like a decent human being. I do not want to change the way I do things just to avoid someone who believes they have rights over me.
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Good for you! I'm glad you wrote this and I'm glad it was published. You should be proud of yourself.
thanks! I wanted to show it off to my fellow feminists that not all teens are hopeless! (just kidding)
Good post- I wish that when I was in high school there had been more awareness about this topic. I had to take a couple of classes a second time because of boys who were sexually harassing me. I either skipped the classes or was unable to concentrate because of the guys who were picking on me. They either commented on my body, because I was physically well-developed, or they referenced specific sex acts they wanted me to do. There was assigned seating and I was too embarrassed to tell any of my teachers or ask to change seats.
It's not ok to say boys will be boys. Unfortunately, athletics (particularly boys athletics) are often valued more than public conduct. The contributions of boys in high school are sometimes valued so much more than those from girls. Often, the victim of harassment (or worse) is blamed for being victimized and these young men are not held accountable for their actions.
I think it is so disturbing, because it shows that even though women have advanced so much, there is still a huge disparity in the quality of education that we recieve. Other issues often take the front seat over sexism and gender in schools, but that doesn't mean that we should forget it. The gender gap in education still exists in so many ways and it needs to be addressed.
I can imagine that there are many more stories just like mine, where a young woman's education was compromised by sexual harassment in the classroom. These young women need support and help, because their education is the key to their future.
"The contributions of boys in high school are sometimes valued so much more than those from girls."
The same thing can also be said the other way around. In my experience substituting in several school districts, when the morning announcements appear on TV, only girls are shown. I have yet to see a boy doing the morning announcements.