Kensington Market assaults

I've been on my guard a bit lately because of several sexual assaults in Kensington Market, an area which I enjoy spending time in. Here's an article by a freelance writer which so well summed up my thoughts about having to stay alert, and how unfair it all seems. (link is not especially likely to be triggering)

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1229896--women-always-have-to-be-alert-to-the-threat-of-sexual-assault

In short: I shouldn't have to watch my back when I walk alone at night. He should have to watch his penis.

Memories - Alone

Daemons prowl, whisper, and growl

Surrounding, at night, my childhood home.

At most times, it is my fortress

But the moat dries up when I’m alone.

The perimeter is insecure

Shut windows, doors, all feel agape.

Locked tightly in reality;

Held open by my fear of rape.

I clean, inspect, and barricade

So fearsome sounds can’t penetrate

Each noise linked to a memory

That years of safety can’t obliterate.

At home, no one has hurt me;

Nothing evil ever crept inside

But alone in this large space

I feel naked, unsafe, spread, and tied.

Don't read the comments...some of them are nasty. While this article is a bit rigid in its assumptions about men and women (men do get raped too, and men also certainly are offended and hurt by rape jokes!) it is indeed a pretty good response to the Daniel Tosh incident that seems to be all over the internet lately.

http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/07-12-12-14-37-the-best-response-weve-heard-to-daniel-toshs-misquoted-rape-jokes/