#HandsOff

As I sit and write this post, I am filled with feelings of anger, disappointment and disgust. Over the past two weeks I have been receiving the most disgusting and derogatory messages here on my blog site. The messages have been of a sexual and abusive nature which most definitely amounts to cyber bullying and harassment.

The messages I've been receiving highlight major societal issues - sexism, misogyny/patriarchy and male entitlement. The fact is that there is this culture wherein men feel entitled. Men feel that they may speak to us in a derogatory fashion because there are no consequences. Men feel entitled to our bodies no matter how many times we say NO. Men think it is okay to question our every thought and opinion. Everything we say is subject to male scrutiny.

Women cannot even give their opinions on cricket without being told "GO BACK TO THE KITCHEN" by 16 year old fanboys who disagree with our VERY VALID opinions. It does not matter how knowledgeable a woman is regarding sports, there will always be a man doubting her and belittling her. News flash: our love for, and knowledge of the sport does not require your approval and accreditation.

What can YOU as a man do better? Well, it's pretty simple. When women speak, LISTEN. When women give their opinions, RESPECT US. When women say no, IT MEANS NO, understand that. In 2021 we cannot still be having these conversations. Things should be different by now. STOP protecting your male friends and male privilege. Start calling out your "friends" when you know they've done something wrong.

If you remain silent, you are just as guilty as the perpetrator.