Females are taught at a young age to dress politely and respectfully in public. We’re taught to act a certain way and to like certain things.

“Don’t say that; it’s not ladylike,” and, “Wear something modest; we wouldn’t want boys to get distracted.”

I wish someone would tell them that we don’t dress to distract, we dress how we dress because we like it.

But, we cover up like we’re expected to. Guys won’t get distracted that way, right?

Wrong. It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is. Women are always “asking for it” according to men.

It’s our fault that a man sneaked something into our drinks because we left it on the counter. It’s our fault that someone gets handsy because we were dancing with our friends. It’s our fault we get cat-called because we were walking alone. It’s our fault that men think it’s okay to grab our waist and tickle us because it’s fun for them and we are too nervous to say no.

Why are those good reasons for girls to be harassed?

Women put themselves in danger nearly every day by walking alone, driving at night, going to parties. It’s like we expect females to carry any sort of weapon in an attempt to stay safe. The other day, I saw a bedazzled pink pepper spray bottle that’s supposed to shoot out of a heart -haped hole.

My only question is, why is it acceptable for women to grow up in fear? I’m fed up with fearing for my safety every time I wear shorts and a tank top.

As a person, not simply a woman, I should be able to dress comfortably without fearing that I am putting myself in a situation where I could come out harmed or even killed.