Don't fight violent perpetrators by perpetrating violence > The cycle of intimidation and fear Cazzy Lewchuk Opinions Editor EK since rapist Brock Turner’s release from prison—after serving only three months of his six-month sentence—the public outcry has been full of anger and a desire to seek revenge. In addition to the internet think pieces, national coverage, and violent threats against Brock and his family, several protestors have hung out around his house with assault rifles and signs calling for the killing of rapists. The Turners have spoken up, saying they are afraid for their safety. As many have pointed out, there is some irony in Brock now feeling the fear that victims of sexual assault feel so often. There’s no doubt that rapists are some of the lowest of the low in society, and deserve to be in jail or otherwise answering for their crimes. Nevertheless, encouraging and threatening violence in response to abusers is wrong, and it happens far too often in society. Fantasies of beating someone up—someone who harmed a loved one or yourself— until they’re screaming or unconscious can be common. When we hear about the sick people who physically or sexually abuse others, the desire for revenge and justice is strong and perhaps even natural. But a call for violence isa call for violence. Desiring for rapists to be stabbed, beaten up, or raped in prison serves to encourage a culture in which people are stabbed, beaten up, or raped. No one ever deserves these things to happen to them—that’s why they’re illegal and looked down on, When we incite these acts to happen to others, we are creating a cycle of violence and becoming the people we despise. Brock is a bad person. There is no one to blame for his actions Putting the Tem’ in feminism > Is it really for men? Cazzy Lewchuk Opinions Editor [en as a feminist. More specifically, by my own identity, ’'m an intersectional feminist: ’'m a white, straight, cisgender male, part of the very demographic that most often seeks to discredit feminism and enforce a patriarchal (male- dominated) society. I believe that feminism means advocating for equal rights and treatment for all women, in a world that has until very recently been completely run and enforced by men. Most self-identified feminists agree that feminism should be for everyone, and men can wear the label as long as they accurately represent feminist values. I agree and believe that everyone can— and should—be a feminist. At this point, if you're not a feminist, you're either misguided about feminism’s goals and definitions, or youre openly sexist. Nevertheless, the male in me struggles with the term. Can I truly be a feminist if I don’t understand the female experience? As with any marginalized group, allies should seek to support the people they advocate for, but not overshadow or directly speak for their needs. I can certainly identify how | observe women in society and the experiences of the women I know—but I still come from a position of privilege. Some feminists (whom many would call extreme) do not believe men can/should be feminists, as they are unable to truly represent the movement’s needs. Some even use this to logic to exclude transwomen from feminism, because biologically- speaking they are unable to feel the same hormones or perform the same biological functions as ciswomen, at least before hormone replacement therapy. Although I believe that the threat of radical feminism is greatly exaggerated, it is true that this misinformation can lead to the all-too-common stereotype that “feminists hate men.” Other feminists (perhaps the same ones I just talked about) prefer the term “feminist- friendly” or “feminist ally” for men to describe themselves, so that they do not infringe on the “fem” portion. I discussed this with a range of Facebook friends, and while there may be some bias (I wouldn’t have them on Facebook if I disagreed with them too much) the consensus was the same, and l agree. Men who identify as a “feminist ally” are being lazy: They're not actively sharing or participating in the movement, Image via www.fawcettsociety.org.uk but merely support it. One can be a LGBTQ ally if they are not a member of that group. Because feminism includes advocating for gender equality (by elevating women’s societal status) it’s not only welcomed, but essential that men be part of it. I'm still learning about feminism and regularly seeking to become a better feminist, while not discrediting the many fabulous women who are at the centre of the movement. As quoted from Tumblr user soultired, and widely spread across the internet: “Men who want to be feminists do not need to be given a space in feminism. They need to take the space they have in society and make it feminist.” There you have it, boys. We can be part of the movement, but we shouldn't expect it to cater to us, either. It’s about women and their status—let women be in charge, and follow their example. but himself. He deserves nothing but scorn, contempt, and justice for what he did to his victim. We can also feel anger with the judge who served Brock with a six- month sentence. We can speak out against the justice system that regularly blames victims, defends rapists, and frequently punishes sexual assault with light sentences. We can condemn and speak out against Brock’s father for defending his son (“20 minutes of action”) and the larger rape culture he echoes. It’s no wonder young men like Turner continue to believe this sort of behaviour is acceptable. It’s easy to desire revenge and off-the-cuff justice with the amount of scumbags in the world. It’s a lot harder to have faith in the justice system and struggle with the reforms needed. In a perfect world, no one would ever have to linger outside a rapist’s house— because they would all be in jail, where they belong. We must all operate within the law when dealing with fellow human beings, no matter how awful they may be. It’s only there that we can find common ground and justice. Otherwise, we run the risk of anarchy and sinking deeper into the cycle of violence. THE OTHER PRESS IS HIRING HIRING: ARTS EDITOR Are you passionate about the arts? When there are cultural happenings, both at Douglas College and beyond, are you the first to know? Then you just might have what it takes to be the Other Press’ next Arts Editor. The Arts Editor is responsible for coordinating the Arts section on a weekly basis. The successful applicant will be responsible for seven to eight quality, edited arts articles each week—whether by fielding and editing contributions or by writing articles him or herself. Must haves: * Experience with substantive and copy editing (including a strong command of CP style) + Experience and familiarity with conducting interviews and arts-style article writing 0 Interest in student and community news and events + Strong writing skills + Past/present involvement with the college arts scene Pay: $470/month Interested? Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Send your résumé, cover letter, and writing samples to editor@theotherpress.ca by Wednesday, October 5. HIRING: STAFF WRITER Do you love writing? Want to be more involved with the Douglas College conimiunity? The Other Press is hiring a Staff Writer! The Staff Writer is responsible for writing two to three quality articles on a weekly basis. The successful applicant will be responsible for for working closely with current section editors on producing relevant, collge-related content. Must haves: + Experience writing, with a history in student journalism a plus + Strong writing skills + Interest in student and community news and events + Willingness to collaborate with other writers/editors Pay: $200/month Interested? Send résumé and writing samples, questions or concerns to editor@theotherpress.ca by Friday, September 30.