SOMEONE.

  

By Melina Farahmand

Founder & Owner of Past Present Future Co.

  I am incredibly proud to be a woman. However, I do realize the unfortunate truth that because of my gender, I and other women, are subject to countless degrading remarks from not only men but other women as well. Now, just because I know this, it doesn’t mean I accept it. I do not tolerate victim blaming/slut-shaming/sexism in any way, shape, or form. Because it is wrong and incredibly disrespectful. Another thing that comes along with being a woman is the fear of sexual assault and harassment. From a young age, I was taught to go in “packs” just to use the restroom & to cover my open cup at parties. I am not allowed to get into a taxi/Uber alone ever, and I was also taught that I had to dress modestly in order to prevent any “unwanted advances”. So, are women really equal to their male counterparts? Well, in some things, yes, but in the majority of other things.... no. Of course, it’s good to teach our girls to protect themselves, but there needs to be a different approach to how we teach them about these issues. When we instill the idea that what they wear = the attention they attract, we are also instilling the idea that if their skirts were too short, they were “asking for it.” This is absolutely disgusting. I will no longer accept this from anyone. If you have a daughter, teach her to protect herself but also teach her the importance of standing with her fellow women in the fight against sexual assault and domestic violence. Teach her to embrace her body and not feel ashamed of how she dresses. Lastly, we should be standing with women, not because of the role they play in our lives, but because WE ARE YOUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.✨✨✨Men: RESPECT women. Understand that no means no. Call out your male counterparts who don’t understand the value of respecting women & their bodies.Ladies: Stick up for each other. Don’t slut shame. Look out for each other and respect each other.