Stereotypical Feminist Argument

"Because we're taught 'Don't leave your drink alone' instead of 'Don't drug someone.'"
          
          The hashtag #YesAllWomen has been trending in the Twitter world since early summer. Most #YesAllWomen tweets are composed by women to appeal pathetically to other women who are discomforted by rape culture. As men took notice, #YesAllWomen quickly eliminated the female-favoring phrase and evolved into #YesAllPeople. The new trend more accurately describes the often misunderstood pursuit of equality that feminists strive for. The hashtag brings together people who both support and reject current feminist movements. Many viral graphics, such as the one above, bring to light cliches such as "Don't walk alone home alone," or "Don't wear suggestive clothing," that women hear constantly. Rather, the photo argues, why don't people address the causes: "Don't attack others," "Respect others' privacy regardless of their appearance," etc. This ubiquitous, backwards thinking has surely saved countless women (and men!) from violent attacks, but how many would have been prevented in the first place if people were simply raised to understand right and wrong?

          In a society that has greatly distanced itself from religion in recent years and delegated child rearing to public schools and daycare, it is more important than ever that someone teaches adolescents the difference between right and wrong. A society that places responsibility on potential victims is a society that has little faith in its citizens' morality and little hope for future generations.

          The signature Red Solo cup itself describes the prevalence of sexual assault in cultures that consume alcohol and the incessant reminder that you should "Never accept a drink from a stranger," or "Never set down your cup," out of fear of someone slipping in a odorless, tasteless date-rape drugs. While solid advice, this does little to address the giant, abhorrent elephant in the room: in what kind of civilized society is premeditated drugging of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification so common that we feel the need to remind every young woman to watch her drink? How can we call ourselves a "community" when we are raised to be skeptical of every single person we meet rather than being reminded to respect others' freedom of choice? Where are the endless cliches that favor a sense of community?