writing

Here are 5 things people get wrong about safer spaces

“The term “safe space” can often elicit negative reactions. We are fed stories in media about college students who are “triggered” by hearing anything they don’t like.

Naturally these exaggerated stories can lead reasonable people to believe that kids these days are just too sensitive.* Meanwhile, online trolls proclaim their Twitter feed is not a safe space, seemingly as an excuse to use discriminatory language and to bully others.

No wonder so many of us assume there’s an extreme and false dichotomy regarding public spaces…”

How to Flirt Without Being a Creep

“Most of the people I spoke with last summer identified as audience members — they didn't necessarily work for a club or play in a band. This dynamic allowed me to skip some of my advice that focuses on authoritarian positions, leaving room for the audience to steer the discussion. Lots of people wanted to know how to flirt in a way that doesn't come across as harassment.

I get it. You see a cutie at the club or bar or basement and want to interact, but with all this #MeToo stuff going around, you don't want to be accused of harassment. Good for you!”

A feminist on the front lines…

In this column for Noisey, Shawna Potter of War On Women documented their run on the Vans Warped Tour.

“The second week of Warped Tour has already brought a darkness with it. This week, as the long-running punk band The Dickies were doing their usual shock rock performance [and]… a female acquaintance of ours held up a sign in the front of the crowd that read: "Teen girls deserve respect, not gross jokes from disgusting old men! Punk shouldn't be predatory!" What followed was a long, misogynist tirade directed at her from the singer.”