Newsflash: You don’t own the sidewalk
To the young man who, walking with his girlfriend, intentionally knocked into me at the side entrance of the Denman Mall – were you so offended by the fact that I unintentionally crossed your path (without touching you), that you felt it appropriate to intentionally hit me with your shoulder?
When I asked why you bumped me, you said it was because I had walked in front of you. I explained that I hadn't seen you. Did you consider that I (a woman probably old enough to be your grandmother) might have been dealing with a physical limitation? Is retaliation for imagined slights your way of operating in the world? The sidewalk, and for that matter, the world, isn't there to serve only you.
Time to curb your sense of entitlement and show some consideration for others. As for your girlfriend, I fear that she, too, may at some point have to bear the physical brunt of your self-absorption.
–Long-time West End resident
Be an ally, not a bystander
Today I would like to call out to my fantastically wonderful male friends who could be doing an even better job in their efforts to create a safer world for their fantastic female friends/partners/lovers/colleagues/neighbours/classmates/sisters/daughters/mothers/etc.
I have now heard too many stories of men witnessing other men do questionable acts (from Jian to my College dorm) that can, do, and will lead to relationally and physically violent acts upon women's bodies and souls. Want to move from bystander to ally? Speak up and influence the questionable acts you witness of other men. They're happening all of the time.
Apparently, once a woman gets the unbelievable courage to step up and speak out on the stand, it's too late and more violence is done upon her. Step up yourselves, because I'm much too tired of women carrying this burden. While certain types of criminal acts play out fairly in the courts – real justice happens via relationships, via the daily, up close and personal moments in our lives.
Have you witnessed another man speak/touch/pursue a woman in such a manner that violates your ethics as a human being? Do what you need to do in your power to change it. As a human being living on this earth, on this day, at this time, under these circumstances, it's your responsibility too.
-Carys
All rants and raves are the opinion of the individual and do not reflect the opinions of Westender. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity and brevity, so please keep it short and (bitter)sweet. Email your rant or rave to [email protected]
