In reply to Nick Haskins.

Agree SO MUCH!!! Empowerment, not more rules to follow.

My daughters came home from school this week ticked off at two boys. One boy made fun of her for wearing a bra. The other one had been literally kicked in the butt by another boy. I asked, "What did you do back?" Both said - and I quote, "Nothing because we didn't want to cause a scene." These are elementary school aged girls - 3rd and 5th grade - and a lot of this is just kids trying to figure out each others boundaries. It starts early and, unfortunately, never seems to end... L OL

My response?

Make a scene!! Boys MUST be put in their place. Next time he makes fun of you for wearing a bra - yell - at the top of your lungs - LEAVE ME ALONE YOU JERK! And to the boy who kicked you in the butt - you have my permission to turn around and punch him - or any boy who ever does anything like that again - IN THE FACE! Make a scene. Yell at him like I told Claire to. Top of your lungs LEAVE ME ALONE YOU JERK! Make a scene. That boy - and all the other boys - need to know that you two command respect, because you respect yourself and are not afraid of dealing with jerks how jerks should be dealt with.

Their eyes were big as saucers. Smiles across their faces.

They had just been given permission to defend themselves.

No victims in my house.

Ever.

Sarah, I'm sorry you had those negative experiences. But instead of feeling (all those big words you used) it was a great opportunity to bolster your own confidence by walking with your head up and your shoulders back ready to command the stage and let the drunk jerk know that he was SO out of his league!

Safety officers = bad idea. WordCamp Foundation will be held liable (financially) if - God forbid - someone is seriously injured while at a WordCamp via rape or serious harassment. Sexual advances at a bar while drinking does not equate to harassment. Not to diminish your feelings, but a jerk and a perp are 2 different things.