A Little Respect

When my daughter was born something fundamentally changed in me. I began seeing the world differently. As a young man I really didn't think very much about how women experienced the world. It was hard for me to think of women as someone's daughter or sister.

Then my daughter was born.

All of a sudden I began think about women differently. I became keenly aware that the women I would see on the street or on campus were someone's daughter.

Yesterday a video began circulating about a woman walking through New York City for ten hours. She was cat called and hit on repeatedly. She had men walk next to her talking at her and follow her for long periods of time.

The comments disgusted me (many by women).

"She should feel happy that they are doing this." 

"Pretty soon she won't be beautiful any more. She should be grateful."

"What a bitch. She didn't say thank you."

Really?! REALLY!? If I was walking with my daughter and men started doing this, I would probably end up in jail. I don't want anyone speaking to my daughter that way.

We wonder why violence against women is persistent. We wonder why porn rages. Well, one reason is because when we are faced with images like this video we mock it. We don't get what's going on. A human being is being objectified. A woman becomes a "thing" like a car.

Sadly, if I didn't have a daughter I might wonder what the big deal was. I might even think she asked for it because of her tight shirt, large breasts, and tight jeans.

But, I'm the father of a daughter. Have a little respect.