In this time of life assumptions, otherness and stereotypes are part of our day to day lives. We often put certain people into boxes due to previous exposures with similar factors when we are around these people.  I am more aware of my safety around men as to when I am around women. This assumption is due to my past exposures with men.

As a young girl, I grew up constantly being warned against the dangers of men as well as conversations regarding safety portraying men as the perpetrators. This has led me to be more vigilant around men. In my community, hosting gatherings and parties are a big part of our culture. In a gathering like that, one’s safety can easily be compromised. I have had my safety compromised at one of these gatherings when a man decided he could grab parts of my body that I was not comfortable with. This incident reminds of why I am quick to assume that all men are dangerous.

It is often forgotten that women can also be the perpetrator. I have witnessed a male friend of mine being sexually harassed by a woman before, but due to my assumptions of men, I failed to see that he did not enjoy being touched in that way.

What I have learned from the lectures on otherness and reflecting on my own assumptions about men is that it was wrong of me to villainise them as women are also perpetrators, as well as to not assume things about others before knowing more about them.