Illustrated Series #88
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It's No More Acceptable For A Woman To Hit A Man Than It Is For A Man To Hit A Woman
All Domestic Violence Is Wrong - No Matter Who Is Abusing Or Being Abused
We hear a lot in the press today about domestic violence, but sometimes it seems like there is a bit of a double standard in the court of public opinion, especially depending on the sex or gender of who hit who. In the early 2020s, a certain celebrity defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard divided the film industry and the general public as to who abused who – both claiming the other did.
Movies and television have long emphasized a notion that men should never hit women – and excepting the rare self-defense scenario, I’m of the belief that nobody should ever hit anybody. However, those same movies and television shows often add laugh tracks to sitcoms in scenes where women hit men, and this has not helped in the changing of the general public’s attitude that it may sometimes be okay, or even funny, when women hit their boyfriends or husbands.
Answer honestly – how many times have you heard of a man coming forward to admit that his female domestic partner – be it a girlfriend or wife – physically abused him? It’s not as rare as it used to be – but domestic abusers can be any sex or gender, as can victims or survivors.
It’s not any more okay for a woman to hit a man than it is for a man to hit a woman. In fact, outside self-defense, which is a rare scenario – and I’ll admit, even more of a rare scenario for men against female attackers than women against male attackers - It is not acceptable for anyone, regardless of gender, to resort to physical violence as a means of expressing their emotions or resolving conflicts. Here are some reasons why it's not any more acceptable for a woman to slap her boyfriend - or anyone else – than it would be for a man to slap his girlfriend, or anyone else.:
Respect and equality: In a healthy relationship, both partners should be treated with respect and dignity. Physical violence undermines this fundamental principle and perpetuates harmful power imbalances between individuals. You cannot truly advocate for equality, or even equity, while floating the idea around that it’s funny or even acceptable for someone to slap her boyfriend or husband for any reason, especially if a man would (rightfully) face prosecution if he slapped his girlfriend or wife for the same reason.
Safety: Violence, no matter who the aggressor or the victim, can lead to physical harm, injury, or even long-term consequences. Slapping or any form of physical aggression can escalate into more severe abuse, putting both partners' safety at risk.
Communication: Slapping is a form of aggression that hinders open and effective communication between partners. Healthy relationships require respectful dialogue and constructive ways to address conflicts or disagreements.
Emotional well-being: Being on the receiving end of physical violence can cause emotional and psychological trauma, which can have lasting effects on a person's mental health and self-esteem.
Legal implications: Physical assault is illegal in most jurisdictions. Engaging in violence can lead to criminal charges, restraining orders, and other legal consequences.
Double standards: It is essential to promote gender equality and challenge traditional stereotypes. The belief that women can resort to physical violence against men with impunity perpetuates harmful gender norms and is inconsistent with the principles of equality. Any kind of double standard, even including those favoring individuals who have faced oppression in the past, hinders progress toward equality, because it creates an “us versus them.” Misogyny is real. So is misandry, albeit to a far lesser extent than your typical run-of-the-mill Men’s Rights Activist, or some idiot like Andrew Tate or Vox Day would try to have you believe. And both misogyny and misandry feed each other if either is fostered.
Building trust: Trust is a fundamental aspect of any healthy relationship. Engaging in violence erodes trust and can damage the foundation of the relationship.
Conflict resolution: Resorting to violence is an ineffective way to resolve conflicts. Instead, healthy relationships should focus on finding constructive solutions through compromise, empathy, and understanding.
It's crucial for individuals in a relationship to communicate openly, address issues respectfully, and seek help from professionals or support networks if they are experiencing difficulties. Violence should never be tolerated, and seeking professional help, such as couples counseling or therapy, can be beneficial if conflicts seem overwhelming.
Nobody's Property illustrated series is published on nobodysproperty.com by Blake Hutchison dba Sansevieria Media. All rights reserved.
© Nobody's Property Illustrated Series, copyright 2018- | all rights reserved. This illustrated series is for entertainment purposes only. Please do not attempt any homicidal, vigilante, or other illegal acts.