Comic explains everyday sexual harassment to guys who don’t get it

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      Guys, if you're still wondering why websites like Hollaback and Harassment on TransLink exist, check out this recent installment of the Robot Hugs comic.

      As the comic says, men can be the "greatest allies" in working to stop casual sexism and harassment.

      See the full strip below.

      Robot Hugs

      Comments

      6 Comments

      Theo

      Aug 15, 2014 at 11:08am

      Are you sure this was written by a man? People tend to overcomplicate this issue. Sexual harassment on the street is not about men seeing an "uncontrolled woman" it's about SOME men not understanding how to deal with their own hormones, not understanding how to interact with women or society in general and just being rude idiots. I worked some jobs with some rough characters in my life and I've found most sexist or oppressive male behaviour comes from men who either have a fundemental grudge against women for whatever reason or people lacking in character to begin with.

      Certainly much of this article is correct when it comes to men who feel entitled… etc. But it's not as complicated and carefully planned as this cartoonist seems to think.

      Female Bus Rider

      Aug 15, 2014 at 11:45am

      One of the panels in the comic shows a guy sitting with his legs wide open next to someone who has to shrink in their space to accommodate him.

      This happens nearly every time I ride the bus. Now, some guys recognize that there's someone beside them and share the space. However, I'd say about 80% of them time they don't.

      I doubt those guys have a grudge against women, they're just like everyone else, yet they feel entitled to take up more space because they can.

      Please, refrain from commenting on how these things happen if you are not directly affected by it. By that I mean, unless you are a woman and have been personally affected by these actions, how can you possibly assume that it's overcomplicated.

      Have you ever been told to smile by strangers in the street or in the grocery store line up? Have you ever had to shrink in on the bus to give someone "ball" space? Have you ever experienced the absolute terror when walking alone at night?

      I understand that you're trying to start a discussion and unlike most commenters you see, you've stated your point quite well. But seriously. You really don't know.

      Give me a break

      Aug 15, 2014 at 12:40pm

      Whats invisible is the sexual harassment and abuse against men. Recent studies show that domestic violence against mean is just as high as it is against woman. In fact the studies suggest its higher agains men because men are less likely to report it, yet ALL the media will point to is that women are the victims.

      On the topic of woman and sexual harassment they are just as dirty and guilty as men. Women objectify men as immediately based on how much they earn, what kind of car they drive etc etc.

      This doesnt even include how men are harassed and abused in our courts.

      Theo

      Aug 15, 2014 at 8:27pm

      "Please, refrain from commenting on how these things happen if you are not directly affected by it. By that I mean, unless you are a woman and have been personally affected by these actions, how can you possibly assume that it's overcomplicated."

      ANd this kind of comment is the problem. You sit there and say men should not comment this issue because they are not women and don't know...blah, blah, blah. Well, by that logic for you to be a woman and tell ME, a man, that you know better than I what is going on in the psyche of the males that do this kind of thing is hypocritical and ridiculous.

      Please don't comment on the actions of men unless you are one.

      Let's Ask Them

      Aug 16, 2014 at 11:13am

      I have to agree with Theo about the need to stop excluding men from the conversation. You can't just expect them to do as you ask if they don't feel that it's the right approach. Whenever these issues come up, I mainly see reactionary comments by women about the motive of these men. Usually it runs along the lines of 'these men fear women's power and they're trying to keep them down'. While that may be true in some cases, I think it would be better to seek out studies where serial harassers are interviewed. Where these men were asked why they commit these crimes. In most cases it is a sexual obsession and one that is so powerful that they have even deluded themselves into believing that their victims are willing participants. This psychological condition is found in many other types of obsessives, including rapists, pedophiles, flashers and serial killers. Always ask men why they do what they do. You can't solve a problem until you understand it.

      Hazlit

      Aug 17, 2014 at 7:43pm

      If women spent more time chasing men, making the first move, and demanding more sex men might conclude that they didn't always need to be the ones to initiate contact.

      Harassment arises because men don't know any better. Calling out sexual harassment by men will make harassers more angry and more desperate and may well make harassment worse.

      Imagine how different, and better things would be if women were the ones buttonholing men and "harassing" them for sex.