Here’s a lethal secret:

Women are objectified as objects of sexual gratification in part because, prior to that, men are objectified as disposable objects of function. It should be obvious that these are both reductive hyperboles of roles whose scope was previously broader and more richly humane.

Disposable objects of function may often see fit to demand gratification prior to certain disposal. And since they themselves are disposable, and are constantly reminded of this… it may be extremely difficult for them to experience the humanity of others — after all, theirs is denied from the start. For a disposable man, there are three relatively sure ways to avoid being disposed of: wealth, power, and violence. These are often bound together in a malignant braid.

Of course, for men as well as women, we may simply escape the stereotypes and live our lives… and yet, our cultures still do far more than merely project these roles… they press us into them wherever our vulnerability allows it. And it begins in infancy. And extends to the grave.

If we want safe culture for women, we will not get that without establishing safe culture for men. Look at our culture. We are cruel to women and children, and this is obvious. But men? Men -are actually openly recognized as disposable- and no one even pays any attention to this because it is so status quo that we -all- take it for granted-.

Rights are -for everyone-. The lack of them -creates the perpetrators we must later have established ‘rights’ in order to prosecute and punish-. Cultures that are not safe for women and children -are not safe for men-.

And this -=is an important part of the reason=- they are not safe for women and children. Because men who respect themselves, respect others. How can we respect ourselves if our culture presents us as disposable… function-objects?