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Early messaging is an integral missing component. How we socialize gender norms in children is problematic. We teach boys to ‘otherize’ girls and to ridicule anything feminine rather than to see girls first and foremost as human beings and friends. If boys are friends with girls and value their voices and girls receive messages about the value of their personhood rather than appearances, that would go a long way to equalize power dynamics and open communication. I get it that young men can be confused but all the more reason to respect and befriend a woman before sex and that would greatly diminish any confusion about her thoughts and feelings.

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Elaine Gilmartin
Elaine Gilmartin

Written by Elaine Gilmartin

A therapist by profession, a runner by passion, a writer by necessity.

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