Comments on: Julia Gillard and the terror of rape culture

By: Mike Frost

Mike Frost — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 02:26:17 +0000

In reply to Frances. Oh dear, that's a terrible experience. And it's sad that it's awoken you to the leering looks you're attracting. Peace to you.

By: Frances

Frances — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 01:33:12 +0000

The other day I was in a coffee shop when a masked man walked in with a machete and robbed the place. He walked past me to get to the counter (within arms reach), and after hacking at the till to get away, he walked past me again and looked at me. I felt this predatory gaze. But the thing is that now whenever I walk out the door I’ve begun to take notice of the leering (almost predatory) looks that I recieve from men who must be decades older than me (I’m only 21). It’s not one or two of them – there’s a sizeable portion who wind down their windows and call out, others who blatantly stare. I know that this behavior has always been happening, I just didn’t pay much attention previously. But now I perceive it as a threat. I’m trying to dress in an inconspicuous, unappealing way, but I don’t think girls should have to do this to feel safe.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:37:51 +0000

Mike, this is disheartening and atrocious. However, for thousands of years women have experienced this; this is not new. A large population of men, for thousands of years have not wanted women to be able to speak, our place is in the domestic world, our mouths to be kept silent; to be public speakers and thinkers becomes such an overload to a large population of men that the only way they “know” to respond is in sexual dominance; they know they can’t keep our mouths shut any longer, but they can dominate us physically. It is sickening. We aren’t even close to true equality, women know it. We continue, as we have for thousands of years using our silent resilience and perseverance as we push toward God’s purpose and sanctity and equal value of all human life; as women this is all we know.

By: Brian Macintosh

Brian Macintosh — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 20:29:58 +0000

Violent threats as well as violence are NEVER acceptable. Rape is violence. It is also sad that she is part of Emily’s List which are women paid to promote abortion till birth in politics.

By: June Stevens

June Stevens — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 01:05:24 +0000

Julia is an outstanding Australian woman. A great Prime Minister and advocate for many community struggles. I am glad she now has a world stage to hear her wisdom and honesty.

By: Leo Sandy

Leo Sandy — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 11:01:24 +0000

There have been a few times in my life where I have been ashamed of my maleness. That shame is brought upon me by the actions of other so called “men”. Once was hearing a presentation on the sex trafficking industry. I walked away with a heavy burden knowing that I am part of the target market. Now because of this kind of “accepted” behaviour, it is even called a “culture”. I am further shamed, because these sort of men have taken trust from me. I am now viewed as having ulterior motives, automatically branded “sexist”. I have heard it said that “evil men do what good men dream about” if that is true, then we must take back mastery of our baser male instincts and show what real men are.

By: Tania Harris

Tania Harris — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 09:04:56 +0000

Laura Bates’ ‘Everyday Sexism’ is well worth a read. Shows how endemic these kinds of misoygnistic attitudes are…

By: Mike Frost

Mike Frost — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:40:51 +0000

Thank you. For those who are interested in seeing Ms. Gillard’s now-famous ‘misogyny speech’ on the floor of the Australian parliament, here’s the link. Very powerful stuff, especially in light of the threats we now know she was enduring. http://youtu.be/SOPsxpMzYw4

By: Steven Clancy

Steven Clancy — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:24:21 +0000

Thanks Mike for this well written piece and the series in general. I’m pleased that the gift of eloquence you’ve obviously been given also comes with the heart to press those important social justice issues.

By: John Longard

John Longard — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:19:04 +0000

Thanks Mike for this timely word. As u well know it’s all about power and control. For those sad individuals who hold these attitudes cognitive dissonance and grief work are just too much for them. Attitudes and behaviors are learned. We have a lot of work in the years to come.