Every time I talk to a woman about harassment the most common responses are excuses. They excuse men’s behavior because that’s what you’re taught to do. “Boys will be boys” “Men will be men” I’ve even once experienced a man tell me, “Well you’re kinda asking for it” based on how I dressed that day.
Many females also respond to the issue with not knowing what to say in response. They experience awkwardness and sacrifice comfortability in order to excuse men’s comments, that are very unnecessary.
After complaining about comments I get at work (not even on a day to day basis) with one of my professors she informed me that I need to say something. And I never heard anyone tell me that! ME tell a guy he’s making me uncomfortable AT WORK?! But he’s a customer, what if I get in trouble? I, like many, have never been told to let a man know that the comment they made is inappropriate. Just to let it slide and keep moving.
After thinking about what my professor said, I realized I’m probably not the only one getting harassed, abused, catcalled and objectified with no education about it. I made this zine to educate women and men about the inappropriate interactions that are so common. I’m hoping to create dialogue between me and the person I hand this zine too and that that conversation will keep moving to the next person.
I want to hold people accountable for their words and actions. I want to empower women to say something. I want to let people know that these issues are real, and MEN’S issues. “Tolerating to get through it is abuse”
All images were drawn by myself. The last page I encourage you to cut out and use when you experience some sort of sexism.