How else to explain her published response to respectful dating guidelines from Griffith University?
Young women at Griffith University are being taught to be uncaring, demanding bitches. Take a look at this list of women's dating rights on the unis digital dating guide. It's all about me me me me me me, my wants, my needs. A great ad for MGTOW! https://t.co/CjiPSTn6FM pic.twitter.com/pmXjc5CQVW
— Bettina Arndt (@thebettinaarndt) February 8, 2020
Labelling young women ‘uncaring, demanding bitches’ is a questionable response in itself but it’s even more inexplicable given the healthy relationship guidelines are quite clearly designed for men and women.
The guidelines, published as part of a handbook about Sex, Love & Dating, cannot reasonably be described as inflammatory or self-indulgent. Interpreting them in that way, as proof of a feminist conspiracy in which women dare to have agency, is alarmingly telling.
Inciting misogyny. Describing young women as “bitches” because they ask for basic human decency. Wow. https://t.co/legzhl6eSH
— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) February 9, 2020
If saying men and women have the right to be heard, have boundaries, choose when and how they engage in sex is uncaring, demanding and selfish, what dynamic is preferable?
What sort of behaviour would be ideal if concepts like maintaining the right to decline a date, to be yourself, to express a voice, to have friends and to respect your own desires are considered radical and selfish?
Am I missing something? All of these rights seem basic and reasonable?
I know you enjoy attention and your M.O. doesn’t seem to extend beyond acquiring it, but as long as you’re taken seriously, I fear for Australian women, girls, boys and men.
Yours will be an ugly legacy.
— Benjamin Law 羅旭能 (@mrbenjaminlaw) February 9, 2020
Consider the message, being sent to men and women, if even just a few of the guidelines were flipped.
I DO NOT have the right to be heard.
I DO NOT have the right to have friends.
I DO NOT have the right to refuse a date.
I DO NOT have the right to have my own feelings.
I DO NOT have the right to refuse to be sexually intimate.
I DO NOT have the right to change my mind.
I DO NOT have the right to set boundaries.
Can you imagine relationships being formed upon those foundations?
At the risk of sounding alarmist, it’s terrifying to consider.
When it comes from an Australian recognised for services for gender equity? There are no words.
It's tough to pinpoint the most appalling aspect of Bettina's response to these respectful dating guidelines BUT can't really go past the fact it's aimed at women and men and her interpretation is this vile. https://t.co/9n1h2zjFY2
— Georgie Dent (@georgiedent) February 9, 2020
From someone who hopes to influence gender equity in Australia, I can say with my hand on heart if there’s nothing else students – male and female – take from university except these messages – the healthy version – they will be set to contribute positively to society. If they learn the reverse I fear for their futures.