<div dir="ltr">I am very appreciative of your comments both from the viewpoint of the reminder to speak up and the inspiration that we all have a duty as men to call each other out when we see bad behavior of any kind, including harassment, prejudice, and hate speech.<div><br></div><div>Thanks,</div><div><br></div><div>Jim Coleman</div></div><div class="gmail_extra"><br clear="all"><div><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr">Thanks,<div><br></div><div>Jim Coleman</div><div>Ph: 3015865973</div></div></div></div>
<br><div class="gmail_quote">On Wed, Jun 17, 2015 at 11:13 AM, Alison Spain <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:alisonspain@gmail.com" target="_blank">alisonspain@gmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_extra"><div class="gmail_quote"><div>Hello -</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for discussion around the recent sexual assaults. <br><br>My initial query was addressing the speed with which women were or were not notified about the string of recent assaults in our community, and I would like to continue to bring the discussion back to how we can better inform the public and how adjacent towns might share information in a more timely manner and spread the word so that when there is an <b>ACTIVE</b> assailant in the area, women are better informed and can act according to their comfort levels. The question regarding communication between the towns has been largely ignored. </div><div><br>My other comments were directed at how a community does or does not tolerate harassing behavior. As I have opened up the can of worms, I'd like to backtrack to my point that sexaul assault and predatory behavior are ultimately aggressive acts about power, or lack thereof - a person who feels powerless choosing a perceived victim in order to feel more powerful. </div><div><br></div><div>While catcalling construction workers are an obvious target, this behavior cuts across all socio-economic communities and cultural backgrounds. My<i> personal </i>intention was not for a catcall to become a dog whistle, as I am sure that the construction workers mentioned also have wives, sisters, mothers, and daughters that have been on the receiving end of harassment. Immigrant women are probably <i>less likely</i> to report harassment, whether due to language barriers or fears about immigration status. Women in the service and domestic industries such as office cleaners, housekeepers, waitresses, and childcare are also frequent targets of harassment for any number of reasons, many which relate to their perceived weakness and lack of power. </div><div><br>Were I a man that felt empowered by harassing women, being cited in front of many other men in public would likely shame me and further cause me to lash out at women. Interestingly, El Pueblo means The People, or less literally, The Community. Clearly, there is a need for law enforcement in situations of immediate threats and violence, but there is also a need for community policing, from both actual police and the rest of the community. I have seen a great deal of community outreach from the RPD at different events and my individual experience is that they are a thoughtful organization. One solution to the example of the known catcallers above might be to have a representative of the police simply introduce himself, bring some donuts along, and mention that women are feeling threatened by catcalls and to please tone it down. Inquire about their families, their wives and daughters - are they experiencing any issues? Similarly, men of the community, you are in a unique position to both model gentlmanly behavior and teach other men and boys what behavior towards women YOU will not tolerate. See a woman getting harassed on the METRO, speak up. Men need to hear this from other men in a way that provokes reflection and not further shame. Some interesting resources here:<br> <br><a href="http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/resources/male-allies/educating-boys-men/" target="_blank">http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/resources/male-allies/educating-boys-men/</a> <br><br>As to the male poster that wanted to be on the receiving end of cat calls, your comments about allotment of resources were worth discussion. Your what's the big deal ladies get over it attitude and I'd love to be catcalled comments were offensive, but nothing new or suprising. </div><div><br></div><div>Sincerely, </div><div><br>Alison S.<br> <br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div>
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