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LETTERS: Bad advice for women

I'm disturbed by the advice offered in the pieces by Meggie Lu ("Girls and women told to watch out when taking trains," Feb. 5, page 2) and Dayal Nitai (Letters, Feb. 17, page 8), and especially that of Jennifer Wang (王如玄), director of the Taipei Bar Association's Women's Issue Research Committee, in Lu's story. They offered some valid recommendations but implied that women are to blame for assaults on their person.

Wang's advice -- "Protect your breasts and buttocks with bags, backpacks or your arms" -- is incomprehensible. So women would be exposing some parts of their bodies if they fail to heed this advice? Does she mean pregnant women as well?

One can only image the number of women succumbing to heat stroke or heat exhaustion on a typical broiling, humid day because they were urged to protect "the same parts with an appropriate layer of clothing."

How many layers is appropriate? Wouldn't it be more efficient to outfit women with full body armor?

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, who is to define "inviting" and "provocative"? Wearing "less inviting or provocative attire, whether subtly or grossly provocative, in public places" is denying the right of freedom of expression.

Wang was quoted as saying: "To minimize chances of being victimized, girls and women are advised to avoid traveling alone or boarding empty trains or buses late at night."

So women should stay clear of nursing or other jobs that require night or graveyard shifts. Attending night schools or working in factories would also be out of reach.

There are many ways to protect people from fear and sex crimes. These include:

One, harsher punishments for sexual predators.

Two, installing security cameras on trains and buses, at bus stops and train stations and ensuring that streets, trains, buses and train stations are well lit, especially in remote areas.

Three, encourage Good Samaritan behavior.

Four, treat women with the same respect and dignity that men enjoy.

Empower women, don't silence them.

Shao Lin

Kaohsiung
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