after reading this for a couple days, it seems what i hear, is the people that excuse allen

Last edited Thu Feb 6, 2014, 09:22 AM - Edit history (1)

have no interest, thought, knowledge, awareness of sexual abuse. they do not need to have interest, thought, knowledge or awareness of abuse because they are not in a position in life cause of gender or circumstance that make that knowledge vital.

as a mom protective of my children, and a woman, that has experienced sexual harassment, and a feminist that has read many many many stories, i am in a position where tells are easy to see.

my husband on the other hand that has always lived in a safe world, doesnt have interest in feminism and womens experience, wants to just enjoy life in his privilege and entitlement which allows him this perspective and not the parent that does the emotional work with the children, he would not see the tells, at all, not even a little. they would have to be pointed out to him. and then, they would have to be explained to him. he would be open, but it would not be something he comes to on his own.

where as a man, and i can think of a few on du, that grew up with sexual assault or experienced it are in the same position where tells are easy to see.

not really a gender issue, more a privilege/entitlement, experience issue.

so those that listen to the story and say meh.... to many of the tells that throw up a flag will never even kinda get why it is obvious to so many of us.

when having the responsibility to our children, to protect them, without causing the children to have to live in the adult world responsible for their own safety because it is the parents job, then it makes it very clear and easy for the parent.

there is no fooling around. there is no wishy washy. there is a line and when someone steps over, even a toe, not even planting the foot on the ground yet? done. that person is done being around the kids, or ever to be trusted alone with them. it is not something any of us would ever play with.