AMBUSH! Arts & Culture
“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.”
― Émile Zola
― Émile Zola
Sexual Harassment and the #MeToo Campaign
by Sage Addington '18
There are many variations of the original post, but this post on Twitter reads:
Within no time thousands of people, men and women, had retweeted and responded to the post, sharing their hollowing experiences. With the rise of the campaign, many are left wondering how we can improve the situation. I unfortunately don’t have any advice on how to stop sexual harassment completely, but there are five crucial things to remember when discussing the topic, so let’s go over them.
1. It is NOT the victim's fault
Unfortunately blaming the victims of sexual harassment occurs often and makes it discouraging for victims to come forth about their experiences.
2. It is NOT just harmless fun or flirtation
“Harmless fun or flirtation” should not leave someone feeling disgusted, offended, scared, or sad.
3. It is NOT normal sexual attraction
Normal sexual attraction shouldn’t include aggressive pressure or intimidation. Period.
4. It is NOT just something made up by men and women who are cold, unfriendly, or no fun
Saying someone made it up because they are cold, unfriendly, or no fun is another reason why victims of sexual harassment choose not to come forth.
5. Women and men do NOT "ask for it" by being attractive
Saying men and women “ask for it” by being attractive is like saying someone is asking to be robbed because they’re in possession of a wallet.
Artist Appreciation: Dariona Smith
by Alizay Chavez '21
Op-Ed: Gallup Girl's Guide to Walking Alone
by Sage Addington '18
In the past I’ve been followed by a car, by someone on foot, and through shopping centers while I was alone. As a young female I find it’s hard not to feel threatened or intimidated when I walk on my own because at the age of seventeen I’ve already been in many risky situations; I imagine it freaks out anyone of any age or sex. The advice in this article is all based purely on what I have learned through my own experience.
Have a general idea of where you are going
I’m guilty of having roamed around before with no destination because I got bored, adventurous, or just in my head, but that can put you at risk if other people can sense that you don’t have a particular destination. Having an idea of where you are going can keep you safe because it seems you know where you are going and don’t want to be bothered.
ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings!
You may feel shady for looking around a lot, but it’s the best way to insure that you are aware of your surroundings. In a rural area like Gallup there’s lots of plant life and I’ve witnessed people crawl out of bushes before, so don’t assume anywhere is safe! Make sure not to get too into your phone, even if it’s Piano Tiles, and check your surroundings periodically.
Part of being aware of your surroundings is making sure you can hear; so although we all love to drain out the world for just a few minutes, make sure the volume is at least low enough so that you can hear oncoming cars and other pedestrians. ALWAYS listen to your gut
You know that feeling in your gut? That would be your instincts; you need to listen to those. If you feel like someone has been watching you, that you have seen that person pass you more than once, or that something just isn’t quite right, trust yourself; If you feel like something isn’t right DON’T IGNORE YOUR FEELINGS for Pete’s sake.
IGNORE catcallers and random people who shout out you
If you give them attention, they will proceed to give you more wanted attention so it is best to just keep walking.
Get serious when a creep approaches you
When a creep approaches you and you get nervous, you need to get serious and show them their company is unwanted. Avoid showing any signs of comfortablity through actions like laughing or smiling; it’s harsh and you shouldn’t have to change how you act so people can get the message, but it helps guarantee your safety.
If you are being followed, there are a few things you can do depending on scenario…
If you are in an area where there are stores, duck into a store and if they follow you inside tell someone, talk to the store clerk, or get prepared to dial 911.
If you are in a neighborhood and can’t just duck into a house real quick, take out your phone and get prepared to dial 911. If you get approached and the person is threatening, DON’T be afraid to call 911; you have every right to be scared! If you don’t know what else to do… Run. Running has gotten me out of three incidents where I have been followed, so… Haul a**. WEEKLY POLLLast Week's Poll Results!
Last week we asked Ambush! Poll takers if they carved a pumpkin for Halloween and 40% said no, 40% said they wanted to, and 10% said they did.
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Associate EditorDerek Curley '19
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August 2018
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