Men and stereotypes

Peter Vogel (pvogel@ibm.net)
Sat, 23 May 1998 11:30:07 -0700


Linda Purrington wrote:
> I'm assuming, of course, that men can and will learn to control
>the stereotypes that lead them to sexually assault women and children;
>but until they do, it will be difficult to dismantle the current
>stereotypes in childhood education.

What is the basis of your assertion that it is "stereotypes" that lead
men to sexually assault women and children?

Common sense tells me that the risk of sexual assualt is inversely proportional
to the closeness of the relationship between the man and the child. My
guess would be that sexual assualt of children would be reduced if more men
spent more time caring for young children. Perhaps I'm mistaken, and
I'd like to learn.

I would also be interested to know what statistics are available on rate
of sexual assault by infants' teachers. How significant is this problem?
Is it real, or is it a "stereotype?" Note - I don't know the answer to
this, I'm interested to find out.

Best wishes,

Peter
pvogel@ibm.net


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