I apologize for the bland blog layout so far. It'll get slightly better. Maybe.
Having recently read the article on "Male Bystanders to Street Harassment", I am amazed that I had not pondered this before. In many cases of street harassment, the parties involved are not just the bully and the oppressed, but also those lingering nearby that do not engage. So I decided to ramble disjointedly about it.
Article: http://www.womensinterestsmore.com/self-defense/male-bystanders-to-street-harassment
With the white-knight mentality of some internet heroes, you'd think you'd easily find folks intervening in these situations! Most of us, in some way, at least have an idea of what a 'hero' is, right? Someone who defends others in need. It isn't just someone who is weak, showing support for your fellow human beings overall is just how things should be. Bullies tend to keep up this sort of behavior because they're not punished for it. Having people stand up for one another against these ogres can be the only way to teach them. (Everyone is so willing to tag in to internet arguments, why not bring that fury into real life!) [Also, remember, just because you stand up for someone, it doesn't mean they owe you anything. The last thing a victimized person needs is someone else expecting more out of them than "walking down the street, minding their own business". You're doing this for you, for them, for the entire world. The feeling of setting things right should be good enough.]
I also find myself wondering how this sort of thing continues on through culture so strongly. Gender, race, creed, anything can cause hate to fly your way. Obviously hate-induced words are from blatant ignorance or personal (though still unjustified) scorn, and much of the sexist badgerings are still a product of such things. Women are bullied a lot, but this is one of the more overt ways. Some people think it is even a compliment, which just boggles the mind further. Any time a person is subjected to demeaning or dehumanizing filth that is the essence of street harassment, being objectified or demonized, that is a far cry from an encouragement. Though streets full of pleasant compliments would be amusing...
How do we break down the barrier? What would stop the average person from needing a trigger to help out someone in need? How do we overcome the various fears that keep us from assuring the balance of justice in our own lives (and those around us). Passion. We simply must channel the charisma, allow the desire for justice to take the reins. Perhaps the best way would be getting the knowledge out there that people aren't going to take this crap anymore. Campaigning this idea to everyone, that bullies will not be accepted in any medium, would even pave a better world for our children. The goal would be unity, you know? People standing up for each other, regardless of gender, race, creed, etc.
I'm glad the article is linked to self defense. As said, I'd wager physical danger is the main thing that prevents us from standing up to each others' bullies. "Why should I get hurt for someone else?". I'd love to think that we're not usually under that mindset, but its probably more true than you'd think. The potential pain barrier is tipped however, knowing that most will back down, especially if multiple people stand up to them. The risk involved is outweighed by the outcome, for me. However, if the Bully wants a fight (and you don't) follow the articles guide on it [disengage together]. I try to encourage everyone around me to know at least a little physical skills, or just to be ready for situations that require it. If the aggressor gets violent, you have to be ready for handling the situation in the least dangerous way, before summoning the authorities to take care of the dime-store villain.
Imagine how much street harassment would decrease if every bully figured one negative comment would anger the entirety of the area. Anyone could jump in...the elderly playing chess nearby, the pack of teenagers mulling about, the business folk, the janitors, that guy that looks like a 70's era super hero who is ranting about balance.
tl;dr: Stick up for folks around you. 'Cause it is rad, and the right thing to do.
