"There are soft forms of pressure, ones that don’t require using force; as the allegations against Harvey Weinstein illustrate, power is a major pressure. Men may not even recognize that they are exerting those kinds of pressure, because society conditions and expects them to push certain boundaries. What many men—good men, who are often trying their best—don’t seem to realize is that the difference between sex and assault isn’t about an action, but about context. This is why you can rape a women with whom you’ve previously had mutually enjoyable sex, say if she’s too drunk to consent, or just changed her mind. This is tricky, because context is a product of perception. The same situation can look very different depending on which side you’re on.
For men, that perspective is based on a culture that treats sex as something for them to win, accumulate, accomplish. Pushing past the point of predictable resistance is, in that understanding, a measure of merit. This gamification of sex teaches men to be opportunistic and to err on the side of getting what they want; it rewards them for it."
That’s a fantastic article, I didn’t think a Like alone sufficiently described how great I thought this was.
Yes, I think it’s an excellent explanation of the power of culture, and how it influences modern male female relationships.
I like James 5:1-6.
1. Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
This is actually as close to a confession as we’ll get, because he thinks he is god.
I find this part especially interesting. I guess some things never change.
Yeah, I mean, it’s pretty easy to take it as: Don’t worry, they’lll get what they deserve one day, you just keep being a good servant.
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