The Right to Safety

I heard about a survey today, that asked men and women about their greatest fear, when going on a blind date. I couldn't believe the answers. Women said they were most afraid of being raped, or even killed. And guess what men were most afraid of? Whether their date would find them attractive, or not. Can you believe that? Why is this possible? Why is this a reality? I don't know how accurate this survey was, or who it was done by, or any of that. But what I do know, is how it made me feel. Angry....very, very angry. I can't speak for men, because I'm not one, so I don't know how they feel; although, I'd be interested to know. And I can't even speak for other women. But, I can speak for myself, and right now, I need to do that. I need to let this anger have some airtime. I understand fearing for your safety. I understand it all too well. And I know what it's like to feel unsafe with men. I grew up with an unsafe father, and have known many more unsafe men, in my life. Too many. So maybe, my experience is not the norm. Maybe, my judgement is somewhat clouded. But, what if it's not. What if we are a society of women, who really are walking around, afraid of being brutalized by men. The very people, who are supposed to be our protectors, could, in a moment's notice, be our perpetrators. This is reality, and has been, for a long, long time. I could ask 'Why'... but I know there will be no explanation, that would appease my rage. So, instead, I ask...How do we change this? How do we create a society, where women, children, and men, feel safe enough, to let their guard down. And, is that even possible? Perhaps, it's just a fantasy, in my head. Perhaps, it's just the dream of one little girl, whose tired of working really hard to find safety, in a world that's often felt unsafe. And, maybe, little by little, the world is changing. I know that, today, I do have a few male friends, who I feel very safe with, and I do sense a shift, happening with men. I notice them getting softer, and more open to their feelings. I see them opening up, to a new way of living. It's a good thing, and it gives me real hope for the future. So, I think my dream may just be possible, after all. Feeling more hopeful, Robbin P.S. It was not my intent to inflict anger towards all the good men out there. This is not about you. Please know that I am eternally grateful for all the men, who are stepping up, and being positive, loving role models. You are such blessings. Thank you.