______ Culture

______ Culture
 
We live in a misogynistic society.  We live in a sexist society.  We live in a shallow society.
 
Yes, I said it.
 
I am not saying that all men are misogynists or sexist or shallow.  But, as a society, those that are dominant are.
 
Over the last few days I have seen posts making fun of sexual assault.  For example, a former classmate of mine (who I have known since the first grade) had the following shared with him on his page (I had seen it before).  “Hello my name is Charmin and I want someone to notify my Senator or my congressman or the FBI, that back in the 60s and into the 70s an old man named Mr. Whipple used to squeeze me inappropriately, even though people told him repeatedly don’t squeeze the Charmin…I demand Justice!”  Of course, the picture was of toilet paper.  A joke right?
 
What this is doing is making fun of assault.  It is using the image of toilet paper to represent women.  It is mocking inappropriate touching.  It is mocking waiting.
 
Yes, it is.
 
I also see comment after comment after comment about why did she wait so long?  Why?  Because to many men, it is a joke.  Boys being boys. 
 
Well, fuck you.  It is not boys being boys.  It is an excuse because boys and men have been programed to be assholes.  Men are programed by society.  Society has taught men we need to have sex early and often.  Society has taught men that women should have tiny waists and big boobs.  Society has taught men that women are objects to be ogled and grabbed.  Society has taught men that women are here to serve us.  Society has taught men that women are worth less.  Society has taught men that women should get over it.  Society has taught men that women lie. 
 
And the most fucked up thing?  Some women believe it?  Society has programmed them, too.
 
Well, fuck you again.
 
This same former classmate (who is a therapist of all things) posted the following.  “If I touched yo booty between 3rd and 8th grade I apologize, I need my job.  These allegations getting outta hand. 
 
Haha, again.  Right?  Things that might have bothered you are funny.  I get to make fun of them because other men will find it funny.
 
My response?  Go ahead, say it in your head. 
 
Fuck you.
 
Now, I know there are people that are going to say that my use of language hurts my argument.  I can’t have a civil conversation.  I am going to turn people off to what I am trying to say.
 
Well…
 
You have no argument.  I do not care if you say the bible says so.  Or you were just joking.  Or I am being crass and crude. 
 
Making fun of sexual assault, rape, attempted rape, unwanted touching, slipping the roofy, is just wrong. 
 
Where I live, a former candidate for our county commission said he would defend any woman that was assaulted.  But, yet, he posted the same sort of humor.  And then took it down.
 
Fuck you, coward.  If you are going to believe it, post it and do it.  But, also, realize you are showing yourself for who you are.
 
And I am showing myself for who I am.  I am not okay with this.  In fact, while I have really tried to have conversations about many issues with people, this is one I won’t have.  If you are a sexist, misogynistic asshole, I am not going to try to be civil.  I am going to call you out.
 
Finally, for those of you that are fawning over Brett Kavanaugh and think he is being treated unfairly and is being unjustly accused, think about your reaction if you found out your child’s teacher was accused of being a pedophile.  Or having a history of sexual assault.  You would be jumping over yourself to make sure that person didn’t teach your child.  Well, Kavanaugh has been nominated for a position where he will be making decisions about women. 
 
Fuck Brett Kavanaugh. 
 
As a professor of education, I have to say that this is something as a society we must combat.  We must teach our children to be civil.  To be open.  To think critically.  To understand right and wrong.  We must teach our children not just facts, but life. 
 
We aren’t.  And fuck us for not doing it.