WomensStuff

to add to your comment, i think it’s also worth reminding that most victims of rape were in close contact with the rapist, i.e. a family member, colleague, friend, partner, etc.

the idea that rape mostly comes from strangers was made to justify racism, even. it’s the idea that The Other is the danger when, more often than not, it comes from our inner circles.

That’s really interesting. I dress that way, but I wouldn’t call myself submissive or passive at all. It makes sense, though, in a way.

I’m the bitch who tells dudes to “shut the fuck up, she’s not here to give you a boner” when they tell a bartender to smile, or make some comment she obviously finds uncomfortable. Who straight up sings “Not interested!” without looking when being catcalled (one dude was like “I’m not trying to fuck you!” from across the parking lot, so like, lol right.. which got “I’m also not interested in a conversation!” In the same singsong sort of way.. he was so angry, and fumed at me about it until I got in my car. Glorious.)

So hey, maybe I’ll be good counter/hide for actually passive fem-presenting folks! And if not I’ll just go right ahead and keep standing up for them if they seem unable/unwilling.

However, on reflection, it really sucks that a gal can’t win. You wear something revealing, you take verbal abuse from men. You wear something not revealing, you look like prey to men. (Yes yes, not all men. But nearly always a man.)

Thank you for sharing this. I wish this was more known.

I may have missed it. I was trying to find how they determined if the women were submissive in the first place, and if they always dressed conservatively. I'm by no means suggesting clothing has anything to do with sexual assault, I have more of an issue with the dominance/submission dichotomy in how it applies to women.

Regardless, good article and good points being made.