Oppression comes in many forms. For women, it frequently comes masked as protection.
Don't go out alone. Stay out of certain neighborhoods. Don't wear revealing clothing. Don't be a slut.
It hurts my heart that I've already had to say some of these things to my own daughters. I have to worry about what they wear- not because they are bad or weak or stupid girls. I have to worry because if something should happen it may be blamed on them because they were wearing short skirts, or tight shirts, or whatever stupidity might be used to justify evil actions.
I have to teach my daughters that even though we know many good and decent men, there are some out there just waiting for a girl to come along to victimize. And because you can't tell who they are- ALL men need to be treated with suspicion until they prove themselves.
I desperately want to tell my kids that most people are good, but that gives them the idea that they can let their guard down. And they can't. Not ever. My daughters will always have to think, in the back of their minds, that they need to be careful around men. And that makes me sad and sick.
