One thing I have been thinking of lately which has never really been in the forefront of my mind is how being a woman in todays society affects behavior. I live in Columbia, Missouri, which is really a very safe town to live in, but is a college town with the frats and the parties and creepers doing who knows what.
I’ve noticed if I’m walking anywhere on campus at night or downtown, my cellphone is in my hand and I am at least ready to call someone, or I am talking to someone, in hopes to deter anyone who might want to take advantage of a female walking alone at night. I most definitely try not to be walking alone at night at all, but when the sun goes down at 6 pm, it makes it difficult!
This fall, I read the book “Irresistible Revolution,” by Shane Claibourne, and in the book at one point he wrote about sleeping on the streets of Philadelphia with his homeless friends. My heart dropped as I thought of how that would not be something I could/should do, solely because I am female.
Today a friend and I were talking, and she mentioned that she doesn’t usually drink, or get drunk, and that some times it is because she is hanging out with her guy friends and although she trusts them, she just doesn’t think it is wise for her as a female to get clobbered while they are.
When talking about inequalities in life, I find myself just saying, “Life’s not fair,” a lot of times, but that is a pretty cynical reaction. Change can happen, it’s just hard. Treat the women around you with respect. They deserve it.
