The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.
Sofia Langlois is a news editor at the Maine Campus, the student newspaper at the University of Maine.
One aspect of girlhood that is both emphasized and exemplified at an early age is the multi-leveled female struggle. Already, the population must deal with inequalities and never-ending stigmas that have been engraved in societal norms since the dawn of time. The world works systematically against women in several ways, the worst of which is the expectation that it is their responsibility to avoid unwarranted violence.
It is a common belief that females must protect themselves while walking alone by carrying a taser, pepper spray, knife or some other defensive weapon. It is deemed imperative to be on alert at all times. This includes keeping an eye out for random predators.
About 50 percent of women in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence, with the highest risk years being from the age of 12 to 34. Within that margin, girls between the ages of 16 and 19 are in the most dangerous category.
There needs to be more preventative measures taken at a government level, and an increase in victim support. Why is it put in the hands of young girls to avoid these situations when it should be the responsibility of law enforcement to ensure that the community is safe?
The Desoto County Sheriff’s Office in Florida posted a list of more than a dozen preventative measures to be taken by women for their safety. While some seem useful, others are utterly ridiculous.
“Walk with confidence.”
Sorry, but what? Since when does having some pep in your step deter perpetrators? Also, it is a bit ironic that women must be mindful of all the terrible things that could happen to them at any moment, but simultaneously not appear fearful. Realistically, a predator may be more likely to pounce on someone who seemingly does not have a care in the world, rather than a person who looks frightened and clearly anticipates some sort of offense.
“Try not to carry too many packages.”
This one is a real thinker. What’s the alternative option, asking a man to carry them for you? If anything, just make sure the packages are heavy enough to cause damage if they need to be thrown at a killer’s face out of self-defense.
“When leaving a business late at night, (if available) ask a security guard to walk you to your car. Do not go up to just any security guard. Go directly to the kiosk and ask for them to assign an officer to escort you. Predators sometimes dress up to resemble security or other authority figures.”
Who’s to say this predator didn’t kill the real security guard and is now assuming their position behind the kiosk? If the possibility of an impersonator is something to be concerned about, what makes standing behind a kiosk proof of legitimacy? Under that notion, definitely take your chances walking alone. Nobody is to be trusted.
“Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.”
Though doing so would likely decrease the chances of an attack, it isn’t by much. Violent people are not vampires. They do not care whether or not you’re standing under a street light. All that matters is getting you alone. If anything, parking in a “well-lighted” area only makes it easier to be spotted.
“Maybe you shouldn’t blame women for wanting guns. Maybe you should blame the constant societal messaging that tells us we are safe only as long as the men around us allow us to be.”
This quote from the animated series “Bojack Horseman,” proves to be more in touch with reality than some law enforcement. There needs to be a drastic shift in the way civilization is run. This is not to say that it isn’t important for everyone to be aware of what’s going on around them and prepared to defend themselves. It’s the fact that women specifically are forced to be hyper-vigilant, and oftentimes, it isn’t even enough.