Minefield Made by Men

I've written many times about the difficulties women have to navigate a patriarchal world that mostly regards them as sexual tools and not people.

This latest article is further proof that we have a very long way to go to achieve true equality.

Intern of Idaho State Representative is now being stalked.

A 19-year old intern who accused Aaron von Ehlinger (R-ID) of raping her was promptly attacked by other GOP lawmakers, doxxed, and threatened with litigation.

What kind of world are we living in now where survivors of rape might be hauled into court for calling out said reprehensible behaviour?  As if they don't already have enough to deal with.  This only adds to the many reasons why women don't report the rapists:

- Not being believed by the authorities
- Having their personal details made public
- Being harassed by relatives and friends of the accused
- Penalties levied in the workplace
- 'Revenge assault'
- Being forced to marry the rapist
- Being forced to have a child conceived by rape
- The accused receiving only a pittance of a sentence if convicted

It's all about protecting the rights and reputation of the individual man or the organization involved, be it a sports team, corporation, church, or government.

A young man caught in the act of raping a woman only got a slap on the wrist because it would tarnish his potential career.  A doctor who raped a sedated patient lost his medical license but got no prison time.  A woman who had actual photos of her own rape was told it wasn't enough to indict.  And so on.

People who try to pass counterfeit money get harsher punishments than rapists do.

Something must change.  And that something is: more women need to step up to the plate.  Protest.  Run for public office.  Buck the patriarchy.  It's already started: Jennifer McLellan is vying to become the first Black female state governor.

Remember Liberia in 2003?  Women forced the country to end the civil war there by going on a sex strike.  Maybe that's what could happen in America too.  Then men might start to get the message.