Marchers hit downtown Ann Arbor to 'Take Back Our Streets' after sexual assaults
Laura Kowal, 59, of Ann Arbor, holds up fliers with composite sketches of the men police believe are responsible for the recent sexual assaults in Ann Arbor.
Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com
Editor's note: The spelling of Laura Kowal's name has been corrected in the photo caption.
Women stood on street corners and clapped. Car horns honked and patios full of restaurant diners looked up in bewilderment.
Thursday night in downtown Ann Arbor, a line of people marching down State Street were ready to show those threatening the city through recent attacks on women that they mean business.
Their chants continued from Community High School on North Division Street to East Liberty and finally to South State Street where the group of about 60 men and woman participating in a “Take Back our Streets” walk broke up at the Michigan Union.
“What do we want? Safe Streets! When do we want them? Now!”
“Hey, hey, ho, ho, sexual assault has got to go!”
Cherise Henderson, 46, stood on a corner clapping as she watched the line passing her on North Division Street.
Henderson said she frequently spends time downtown at night and, especially with warm temperatures recently, she prefers to go out and get things done in the evening, rather than during the day.
Jaleesa Rosario, 23, of Ann Arbor, chants while marching with a flier on State St. in downtown Ann Arbor. She says, 'We need to start teaching not to rape, instead of don't get raped.'
Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com
“Even though he’s out there, he’s not going to stop me,” Henderson said.
Police are searching for the person responsible for several sexual assaults in downtown Ann Arbor this month. Still unclear is whether they're looking for a single suspect or more than one, police said this week.
Shelly Jones sat at a Bar Louie patio table with her two daughters, Jane Tierney and Jessica Fox. The three were visiting from Midland and reflecting on memories of living in Ann Arbor, when the walkers stopped by with fliers containing information on recent assault suspects.
Tierney said she had heard of the downtown incidents and was encouraged to see the community coming together.
“It’s so cool to see people be so outward about it,” she said. “Usually it’s a pretty safe place.”
Rebecca Craigmile, 26, of Ypsilanti, addresses the crowd outside Community High School before they begin marching. Craigmile solely organized the 'Take Back Our Streets!' march using social media websites, including Facebook and Twitter.
Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com
That idea of downtown safety is what brought Autumn Campbell, 36, out with her friend, Jessica Vamvas, 29.
Campbell, who has lived in Ann Arbor her entire life, said she wished more people had come to show their support.
“These are my people, this is my community and my city,” she said, explaining how she felt strong sympathy for the recent victims. “I’m just devastated by it.”
Campbell said she’s nervous walking from her car to her front door, something she never would have imagined even a week ago. She hoped to see a police investigation and arrest soon.
“This man has robbed me of my freedom, that I can come downtown and meet up with my girlfriends on my own,” she said. “It makes me nervous all the time in my own neighborhood.”
Robert St. Pierre,21, said he came out for his female friends and as someone who spends time downtown into the early morning hours, he’s tired of the community’s worries.
“I’m here to intimidate this guy. I’m here to show him I’m ready, we’re all ready.”
For Emma Hamstra, 17, who walked along with her boyfriend, Thursday night was about making a statement loud and clear.
“It’s time that woman feel empowered in this city and the town I’ve grown up in for 17 years is not safe right now,” she said. “We’re not going to let this happen anymore. Something needs to be done.”
Heidi Fenton covers police and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heidifenton@annarbor.com or 734-623-4673. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Independent_Thinker
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
I am positive the majority of marchers will be going back to sheepland when this guy is caught. None of you are actually changing your lifestyles This is reactive, not proactive. Your March is the equivalent of going on a diet just to fit into your wedding dress and then putting it all back on again by going back to your previous diet. A permanent lifestyle and mindset change is required if you want to be a safer individual, not a temporary emotional outburst.
superhappyfunbrett
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
Not sure how reducing an entire community into a charicature created in your own mind is helping anyone but... thanks for the two cents, IT... maybe this tragedy will help more people become aware... which I'm sure was your point...
Mariella
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
"I am positive the majority of marchers will be going back to sheepland when this guy is caught. None of you are actually changing your lifestyles." Wow, "Thinker," I'm so glad you interviewed each and every one of the people on the march last night, and found out that we aren't changing our lifestyles. That must have taken a very long time! By the way, the comparison between marching to support survivors and dieting is really cute. With friends like these, who needs enemies?
Blanch DuBois
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
There is an unwritten moral code of conduct among men which is...You DO NOT under any circumstances kick, punch or hit another male in the groin. It is simply considered unacceptable behavior among men to cause pain or injury to such a vulnerable area of the body. Talk about a double standard. MEN need to step up and send the message to other men that it is also unacceptable behavior toward women.
Independent_Thinker
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.
This comment makes no sense to me, and as a man, I haven't got the slightest clue what you are talking about. A kick to the groin can be very effective and is most certainly not off limits in a self defense situation. There is no code of conduct for this?????
VamosAzul
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
Other than the physical pain caused by sexual assaults, there is a great deal of emotional pain. I agree that this march will have little impact on the actions of the attacker, but if it empowers victims or potential victims, then it's a good thing in my book. People don't like feeling helpless when something horrible is going on around them. If marching makes people feel better in some way, then all the more power to them. It's not like this is detracting from the actual investigation, so let people do what they want.
Athena
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
These comments are breaking my heart. Women in our community have been raped and sexually assaulted and other women and men in our community took action and marched and yet we argue among ourselves. These are our neighbors, friends, co-workers, sisters, and daughters. They are members of our community and how do we support them? We argue. We need to support each other now more than ever! We need to learn how to be able to discuss things without going to extremes. I applaud the women and men that took positive action and marched. Thank you!
Mariella
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
Joe, the point of the march wasn't to catch the rapist. If you were there, maybe you could have asked people why they were marching, instead of assuming something that you have no way of backing up with evidence.
aawolve
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
Arguing and marching are equally as effective.
Joe
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
You didn't take action. You made a lot of noise for nothing. Want to take action? Protect yourself using all legal lethal and non lethal means at your disposal. Do you REALLY think that a "march" is going to stop this freak? The liberals in Ann Arbor never cease to amaze....
2WheelsGood
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
I love my wife, yet we still argue. Don't blow it out of proportion.
BBC
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
Right.
Dog Guy
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.
'Take Back Our Streets' must refer to Hieftje's misappropriation of what formerly were our streets before hizzoner's bump-ups, bump-outs, and painting away traffic lanes. 'Take Back Our Sidewalks and Parking Structures' is germane to the assaults, but again confusing because of Hieftje and his DDA. Self defense is a natural right and duty not even limited to humans (as both birds and ground wasps have lately reminded me). Even dogs bark preemptive self defense until passers-by have passed by. As annoying as their constant yapping is to neighbors, it is more annoying to would-be miscreants. While a noisy parade may be closer to barking than stinging, it can both prime immediate response to a timely hue and cry and lessen the notion that your safety is someone else's responsibility.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.
Oh! I think I have FINALLY figured out what's going on here. This is "PATRIARCHY HURTS MEN, TOO." That's it! Women are raped, how to handle it is discussed, there's a march, and the response is WHAT ABOUT THE MEN!? I suggest that if men really want to help, they should call their buddies on it when they brag about having sex with a drunk woman, and the response is MY FRIENDS WOULD NEVER, EVER DO THAT, HOW DARE YOU!? Here's the thing, guys. This isn't about you. Calling what we're doing "silly" or "sexist" does nothing helpful. Telling us to "stop being victims" isn't helpful. Whining about how misrepresented you are isn't helpful. This isn't about you.
JS
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
Ok, lemme get this straight.... Man is getting drunk at a bar, woman is getting drunk at the bar. Man and woman start talking, and end up making love. Man is excited about this and tells a friend. Why would you "NEVER, EVER DO THAT, HOW DARE YOU!"? I don't get it, what is the man doing wrong in that situation? Are you telling me that when a woman drinks there is nothing she can do to control her libido and that it is the man's responsibility to think for her and prevent her from having drunk sex? Now THAT sounds kind of bad.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
@ JS, maybe if it was an all woman patrol. It apparently would either offend some, if you as a man offered such assistance or you as a man having a weapon (Pepper Spray) in hand might have some looking at you as if you were the criminal. Best to stay out of it I guess...
Ricebrnr
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.
Well we tried, we are helping, and we could care less about being appreciated or not because we understand it's NOT about us. It's about empowering womwn with options and plans if they should need to defnd themselves at all. For all your pseudo feminist rants, it your words and of those like you who are setting the women's movement back.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
Dude, let it go. If you spent half of the time you currently spend whining over how unappreciated you are actually executing a plan to help, we would ALL be better off.
JS
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5 p.m.
How about in addition to the march, someone organizes a group of people that can stand at every street corner downtown, mace in hand, from 9pm-5am for the next few weeks? I see it as a good way to get the message across AND actually have a chance at catching this horrible excuse for a man. Think about it, if every hundred yards or so all over our downtown streets there was a man or woman with mace keeping an eye out for this guy we might, as a community, apprehend this loser. Instead of complaining and whining and talking ish on Annarbor.com, how about those with such strong opinions about this situation actually do something? (Over and above the march of course)
JS
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
I never said I had strong opinions about this situation, just putting it out there.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
So, organize it.
dogpaddle
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
As a white male, I'm actually embarrassed to be sharing a community with the people who post on here who are downplaying the importance of an event like this. When you start a comment with "no offense, ladies...", perhaps you should add "men" to it to, too, because I'M offended at your comment. For your sake, I hope you or no one you know ever becomes a victim of violence whether it be rape, burglary, mugging, etc. Taking back the streets and having marches is our First Amendment right. This is something that affects all of us and for those who have commented that it is empowering, you are right. And for those of you who think it's silly, stay home and keep your doors locked. The rest of us want our community back and want to feel free to walk the streets, day or night, without worry. Let's go back to being neighborly and pillars of our communities and keep an eye out for one another and support each other. We're in this together. That's what community means.
MIKE
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
What does your "whiteness" have to do with it? I wasn't aware of the racial angle in the rapes.
Bababooey
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Mark D....This is so patently simple even a Caveman could figure it out. If the right person at the right time was handed a flier with the police sketch last night and recognizes and reports this person because of this rally then it was a worthy 1000x over.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
AGREED!
stuck in traffic
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
here is an idea, cut your police and fire services in Ann Arbor, encourage the homeless to move into your town by providing awesome services for them. now complain because people are being assaulted. you get what you pay for.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
And how do you arrive at THAT stellar conclusion, a2citizen?
a2citizen
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
He might not be homeless. This is a "sanctuary city. He may be an illegal immigrant.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
I don't understand what the basis is for your assumption that the rapist is homeless.
superhappyfunbrett
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
"...encourage the homeless to move into your town..." ... or, we can wait to see who the criminal really is before we make such statements.
superhappyfunbrett
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
A group of people speaking up in a unified voice in their community sounds important enough to me. Maybe it's not the gun wielding, wild west, "shoot out with the one armed man" that some folks are hoping for, but... it's sending a message loud and clear. Also, in this case, I believe there IS strength in numbers. I agree that being aware, making safe decisions, and knowing how to protect yourself are crucial points to keep in mind. But... I disagree that one needs to be ready to put a hole the size of Lake Michigan in someone at all times. There are plenty of options to protect yourself other than carrying a gun. (I don't think "more guns" = less violence. I wish it'd work that way, but the logic doesn't add up to me. Never seen it work in war. Guns may not ALWAYS be the answer. Just my opinion.) It shouldn't be (and isn't) just women who are speaking up and/or looking out for each other. The bottom line is whoever is doing this is victimizing not just a handful of women, but everyone and the security of our area. Whoever it is, I'm willing to bet they are aware of the news. So I'm willing to bet they are now aware that this isn't a passive community. (Because of stories like this, and other factors.) I think the police are working very hard, but it is also heartening to see so much action from citizens in our city. A march might not seem important to "YOU", but if it educates others, raises awareness, or provides strength to citizens in some way... why are "YOU" complaining? Personally, I see the positives of marching in this manner. Thus, I choose to support that positivity. I don't think it's "silly" at all. And I find it more vital than standing on the outside looking in at the problem and making argumentative critiques. The more we all look out for each other, the safer we will be, AND the quicker this situation will get resolved. I will support coming together more than remaining passive/apart.
superhappyfunbrett
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:52 a.m.
@I.T. - I don't think you'll ever know what somebody like me is thinking, because you've already decided to put words into my mouth. You already have me figured out, so why listen, right? That's okay by me. I'm tolerant of others misconceptions if they have no impact. Me? I'll choose reality. Which in this case means helping those in my community who may need more help than you or I right now. Instead of, you know, bickering.
Independent_Thinker
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
People like Ricebrnr and myself already realize (are aware) of how the world works. I think that is what you don't realize. We don't need to march as we are constantly aware already. We are not "reacting" to anything, we were already "there" before these attacks started. We already practice self-defense skills. We already carry guns. You see this as us reacting to "this" event. That's just simply not the case. We are always on guard. It doesn't have anything to do with guns specifically, it is a state of mind and a lifestyle of awareness and a lack of naivete. I know as well as Ricebrnr that once they catch this guy most of you marchers will be back in sheepland, but we won't, because we weren't there to begin with. We'll be ever aware for the next time this happens or something like it, which it most certainly will.
superhappyfunbrett
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
@Ricebrnr: Ummm... I think you may have completely missed my point. (Try reading my post again?) Might have been too wrapped up in the "gunnie" (?) agenda to realize anything happening outside of it.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
Sigh only hoplophobes think we gunnies think a firearm is THE solution to everything. We keep saying it is but one part of a well rounded defense plan and for some who are physically weaker, older or disabled, it can be a very big part. ONLY A PART. As for your Wild West, OK Corral claims..ten years since Mi "allowed" concealed carry on a shall issue basis. Where is the blood in the streets? Not from the people less likely than YOU or the police to commit crimes. <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/worst_fears_about_concealed_gu.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/worst_fears_about_concealed_gu.html</a>
Ricebrnr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
THESE: "Feel empowered", "the idea of downtown safety" Will NOT win you this: "What do we want? Safe Streets! When do we want them? Now!" How?: "We're not going to let this happen anymore. Something needs to be done." IF you want that, you might consider accepting help when offered instead of slapping our hands away as you look down your noses. Nobody in the history of men and women EVER took or had anything taken, streets included without some sort of force or threat of force.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 8:57 a.m.
Btw Terri, you continue to ascribe thoughts and words to me that I defy you to quote me actually saying. Actually not just to me. Apparently you and your ilk are the only one's actually telling people to pipe down because YOU don't like our advice or opinions.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
Right wanting to empower women to be able to take care of themselves wanting to do what we can to help them BE safer This is the epitome of your so-called "He-Man Woman Haters Club" or is it the antithesis? Perhaps you all should step back and see how your man hatred has clouded your judgement and produced your own prejudices. Unlike you, I don't judge all women by YOUR words and actions. If that were the case people such as myself might consider turning our backs on an attack rather than getting involved, that is after all what you are castigating us for. Because YOU don't want help, doesn't mean others don't. Some ladies here have if not outright welcomed the advice, they at least take it into consideration. Sad that some would sabotage your own efforts due to your own prejudices and insecurities.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
What about if this piece of garbage likes the attention? What if that empowers HIM? Did anyone think of this possibility?
A2transplant
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
Maybe she was attacked by someone who looked like you and simply didn't want to take the chance. After all, if you "flip out" on her later, it'll be all her fault anyway. She did accept your help, after all. Bottom line, since she's accountable for your actions, anyway, might as well head you off at the start. Not worth the headache and heartache if things go wrong later.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
So, your idea is that women should pipe down and let men protect us, that we shouldn't call you on your crap because it's ungrateful and...what? High and mighty? Whoever said so up-thread is right. It's the He-Man Woman Haters Club RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN LITTLE PAPER. Neat.
2WheelsGood
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
@irgchel "All these negative commenters should be ashamed of their armchair quarterbacking; it reveals a lot about what is wrong with our country today" Actually, wishing, hoping, and praying, instead of actually DOING something is what's wrong with this country today. The negative comments are the result of people who realize that this march will do nothing but give this creep a good chuckle.
Independent_Thinker
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
Agreed. Feelings, emotions, and "re"actions instead of preparedness, data, and "pro"action (doing). Typical Ann Arbor.
irgchel
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
The ladies were out to hand out flyers with a description of the attacker. That is proactive. Marching in numbers is a form of empowerment and a call for others to be aware. It is not sexist to march and pass out flyers showing the likeness of a MAN who is attacking WOMEN. If other people (non-female) are being attacked downtown and a march is needed for that, by all means, organize one. Hopefully, these women will get together and form a citizen patrol and perhaps the scumbag will be caught. All these negative commenters should be ashamed of their armchair quarterbacking; it reveals a lot about what is wrong with our country today- whiners, an "I know better than everyone else" attitude and sloth.
bhall
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
Wow, I see a story about a community coming together. And I see a lot of comments -- maybe 10 -- from a certain poster that objectify women, belittle the march, and basically scream and yell, over and over, about some double standard. Note to Interweb users: Typing the same point over and over again does not make it any more convincing.
Arielle82
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
very well said, thank you!!!
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
". All these negative commenters should be ashamed of their armchair quarterbacking; it reveals a lot about what is wrong with our country today- whiners, an "I know better than everyone else" attitude and sloth." Now who's coming across all pius and mighty? Can you see far down to earth with your nose being so high in the air?
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
Would you conceed that if it was a woman attacking men in the A2 area, the comments would be completely the opposite? If a woman made a comment that offended a man in this discussion, it would be a death sentance for another man to come to his aid and verbally slam that woman. Marching and bringing awareness is fine, but allowing the double standard to continuine being the elephant in the room isn't right.
Tesla
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.
I know it's the internet but some of the comments here really do surprise me. It's like the He-Man Woman Haters Club came home to roost. On the other hand, there probably isn't a better place to prove that a lot of men are still draggin their knuckles on the ground.
Wolf's Bane
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
As a long time resident of A2 and a male, I find these "Take Back the Night" marches an excellent way for citizens to get to know one another and support a common cause of uniting and fostering a bond of solidarity among women. I do think it is odd that men were allowed to march since in years passed they were not.
aawolve
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
Epic waste of time. Organize volunteer patrols if you want to make a difference.
smokeblwr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
I found a very interesting quote from a detnews article: "One man who showed up with a sign for a "rapist hunt" but was told the night was about preventing violence. "We definitely don't want people out here looking for the attacker," Craigmile said. From The Detroit News: <a href="http://detnews.com/article/20110729/METRO/107290383/Ann-Arbor-rally-seeks-to-take-back-night-after-recent-rapes#ixzz1TUtFuz5g" rel='nofollow'>http://detnews.com/article/20110729/METRO/107290383/Ann-Arbor-rally-seeks-to-take-back-night-after-recent-rapes#ixzz1TUtFuz5g</a> Maybe we OUGHT to go on a Rapist Hunt?!?! We seem to have a lot of people on this forum armed and ready to do good. Time to hit the streets?
Ricebrnr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
"Crime will not disappear without resitance" Fixed it for ya. "We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."
Mr Blue
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
Crime will not disappear with increased violence.
smokeblwr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
Your picture is perfect to lead the Rapist Hunt.
Atticus F.
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
Maybe we could organize a vigilante mob to attack anybody who is a suspect. No judge, no jury... Just a good ol' fashioned rapist hunt.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
"I'm here to intimidate this guy. -I'm not a lawyer or play one on tv, but isn't intimidation a crime as well? Just as the assailiant has committed crimes?
a2citizen
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
No. Intimidation is not a crime.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.
How do you get "I hate women" from my comment? I hope you don't take that as a generalization of your gender, because it was meant specifically for YOU based on YOUR irrational statement. So committing a crime to bring a criminal to justice is ok? Careful what you wish for.
irgchel
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
I believe the intimidation here is to make the ATTACKER stop raping women; laws against intimidation would not apply. Hate women much?
Tesla
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.
Have we become so divisive and argumentative that these women can't even have a march to get the word out without being criticized? The ladies need our support. Not the negativity.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:20 p.m.
redwingshero, I've never asked you to prove anything to me. I've asked you to stop whining and denigrating women and take action. And I'm right--you should do that. I have NEVER said that all of my experiences with men are about them joking about raping women. I NEVER said that all men joke about it. I said that men should call their friends and colleagues on it when it happens. And I'm right about that, too. Clearly, you are so ready to pounce on my assumed "man-hating agenda" that you haven't even read anything that I've written.
Mr Blue
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
Some men get a little defensive about being connected to a male rapist by virtue of their genetics. Why are some men getting defensive about a women's street protest that helps make the streets safer for everyone?
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
Your comments throughout this mess have made men feel that we have to prove to you that we aren't like this attacker. This piece of garbage is a rapist. We don't have to prove anything to you.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Please don't let your presupositions cloud your judgement
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Yes, I used an slightly offensive (subjectve-but if you are predisposed to hate all men and all that comes from their mouths, you will always be offended) joke to bring awareness to the double standard that is in front of all of our faces (which you can't admit for some reason). Saying what I said and you saying that all your experiences with men (generalization) have been while they're joking about getting women drunk and taking advantage of them are two completely different things. Not even in the same ballpark. Not all men are scumbags, not all men joke with their buddies about taking advantage of women-sober or not. Accept this fact.
Terri
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
red, you are a parody of yourself. For all of your talk about how different you are from this attacker and HOW DARE YOU be categorized with him, you're making sexist jokes about objectifying women, then telling people to "relax" when they call you on your crap. Go and google invisible backpack and read it, would you? I think you'll find it interesting.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
Just pointing out a double standard. Don't get so uptight.
Brad
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
No, but I'd be in favor of anyone marching to support the eradication of idiotic comments.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
So would you be as supportive of men marching in support of women with shapely rears?
Heardoc
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
Hmmmm .... would it not be better to march to stop all attacks on all people -- very sexist thinking here.... and a very sexist article. Hypocrisy comes to mind here with these women.
VamosAzul
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
Rape is a horrible crime regardless of the sex of the victim. The current attacks have all been against women (as are the vast, vast majority of rapes), and therefore the article focuses on that aspect. How is that sexist?
Mr Blue
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
So how is the article or the women who walked sexist?
Laurie Burg
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
feel free to take your own advice. organize your march, and get people involved! no one is stopping you. or do you just expect someone else to do it for you? reminds me of how men didn't bother to organize a "bring our sons to work" day ... but sure didn't mind whining and complaining that the women who organized for their daughters didn't include the boys.
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
So would women be in favor and support a march by men to support other men that have been victims of rape/sexual assault?
A2transplant
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
Correction: I meant to say "march against violence" not "march against non-violence."
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
But to completely ignore that men are raped in this great country of ours would be ignorant.
A2transplant
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
While violence in all forms should be discouraged, this march was about rape awareness in light of recent attacks. By all means, organize another march against non-violence---we certainly can't have enough of them! There's no quota to meet, here.... As for the sexist nature of the march, well, rape is pretty much a sexist act. Sorry. Most rape victims are women and most rapists are men. Don't think this is a statistic women wear with pride. Not by a long shot. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape</a>
Mark D
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.
No offense, ladies, but your silly protesting isn't going to stop this predator. Pepper spray might. Mace might. A well placed kick might. A 9mm certainly would. You have the inherent right to self defense and you should exercise it. Stop being victims and carrying on with "protests" that do nothing. If you have to be alone, do whatever is within your legal means to defend yourself. Michigan is a "shall carry" state. Instead of banging drums and chanting, arm yourself and get the practice and training you require at one of our nearby ranges.
Mr Blue
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
"No offense, ladies. followed by "but" is nothing more than cowardly scolding the victims.
2WheelsGood
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2 p.m.
I think what Mark meant was "shall ISSUE" state, not "shall carry" state. Which just means the state can't deny you a license to carry unless you have some disqualifying condition.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
Brad. Let me help. "Shall" is not the same as "must" in this case "shall" means it might be worth considering...
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
Here we go.....
Brad
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
A "shall carry" state? That's a new one. What is it that I am required to carry?
redwingshero
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.
Careful. I warn all men based from the other day. If you say something opinionated that offends women, victims, etc. here, they will let you have it. "The nyou go to the penalty box, and feel shame, you feel shame".
2WheelsGood
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
Raise awareness? It's already in the national news.
Bababooey
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
What's wrong with exercising freedom of speech? Wasn't part of this protest to raise awareness as well? Does somebody have a case of the Mondays on a Friday?