College Women Adding Self-defense Classes to Fall Semester To-do Lists

[ucbalumnus]

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@jimmyboy23

a. Great Rule, I would love it if everyone would abide by it, but even very intelligent and conscientious people once they start drinking lose the ability to make good decisions. It’s like the tennis ball challenge: easy to catch when you have no impairment, but once you put on the goggles it becomes very difficult. Same goes for decision-making.

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<p>A clear bright line rule is a lot easier to follow when drunk than trying to remember the matrix of number of drinks, hours since last drink, gender, weight, etc… And many people do follow such clear bright line rules, such groups having designated drivers who drink no alcohol, people who do not drink alcohol at all, etc… Presumably, at least some people who get drunk can still follow a clear bright line rule of no driving after drinking, even if they would make lots of errors if they tried to remember number of drinks, hours since last drink, etc…</p>

<p>The tennis ball analogy would be the difference between picking up a tennis ball sitting on the ground versus hitting it in a tennis game. A drunk could probably still pick it up from the ground, but would have much more difficulty hitting it in a tennis game.</p>

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@jimmyboy23

b. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone own a breathalyzer much less have one on them while out at a party or bar. I think I saw it used by a woman once on T.V. Doesn’t seem very common from where I’m from so I question how many people currently use this method.

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<p>True, personal breathalyzers are uncommon, but it is an option for someone who wants to be absolutely sure that s/he is sobered up enough to drive after drinking by waiting until s/he blows 0.00% in the breathalyzer. They are offered for sale on-line, so there must be some market for them.</p>

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@jimmyboy23

It is very hard to educate people on the exact legal definition of rape when it changes from state to state and the definitions change constantly (this is why some people are not aware about the relatively new addition about women being unable to consent while drunk even if they say yes.

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<p>Getting back to rape, having people internalize clear bright lines will make it more likely for them to avoid unclear consent situations. Such clear bright lines include:

• If asking for sex, only a clear “yes” from someone not under the influence of any drug means “yes”. All other situations and answers mean “no”.
• If asked for sex, clearly say “no” if sex is not wanted.</p>

<p>Of course, predatory rapists and how to avoid them are an entirely different matter.</p>

[absentions]

<p>As an upcoming female college freshman who is considering taking self defense classes, rape is definitely not even close to being the top reason for why I want to learn self defense. Pure rape isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a vulnerable young woman (although I’m still terrified of it). At least it’s not life-threatening; if it causes no other physical harm, then I would say there is no substantial long-term physical damage (mental, yes). I follow the news, so I’ve read about girls who are beaten to death for no apparent reason just because the offender is mentally unstable. That’s scares me the most. I feel like if I am less vulnerable and able to defend myself, I may be able to be less helpless in situations like that. The world is so incredibly messed up, after all.</p>

[DrGoogle]

<p>My daughter took this class with her roommates, I think more or less how to effective get away. </p>

[scholarme]

<p>I believe in self-defense. Both my daughters have been taking martial arts since elementary; we always encourage them to learn defensive behaviors and to trust their instincts. I and my husband both grew up in rough areas; it is inconceivable to us not to teach our kids how to keep themselves safe. It would be like not teaching them how to cross the street.</p>