There were many times where I would have a late class, be studying in the library, be doing things in the lab late at night. And you know when school’s in session, it’s the winter so it gets dark really early. You know, it could be seven, eight o’clock. It’s not that late, but it’s very dark. And just because Detroit has the reputation that it does, my mom always felt better if I had a male friend who was walking with me to my parking structure or to and from buildings. And what’s odd to me is that I spent 10 years in martial arts and have two high degree black belts.
So I have the ability to physically defend myself, but I also have the ability, the wherewithal to know who to call. Like campus security, the police department, or the you know the police. I know what to do if I feel unsafe, so the fact that I was specifically told to have a male with me, is also a double standard. Because again, it supports the notion that a woman is a dainty flower that needs to be protected. Rather than teaching people not to attack other people. If that makes sense. So, I think that that would be my experience with double standards. It’s a lot of that, and it’s very ingrained in conversation, very like a normal thing for a girl to grow up hearing. You know, “Don’t dress this way because you’re going to attract attention or attract problems,” and so on. Rather like we’re told that rather than hearing boys be taught, “They’re just wearing clothes. They’re not quote, ‘Asking for it’.” If that makes sense, boys are not taught, “Don’t attack girls.” Rather girls are taught “Don’t do this because boys will be boys and attack you if you do.” And I have a problem with that.