It's not wrong to want to help. But when the person you're trying to help says, "Hey, thanks, but actually that's not helpful at all," then it's time to stop offering that "help."
I agree, we should refrain from helping those who do not wish to be helped. I do not see help being forced on anyone in this thread..... It does seem, however, that you are also against help, that you do not approve of, being offered to others as well? Why must you be a filter for all information regarding help for women?
Suggesting that dressing modestly protects from rape is untrue. And it feeds into a culture of victim-blaming. And it fails to put the responsibility for rape where it belongs; with the rapist.
You are again, twisting information to fit your narrative. No one suggested that, if one dresses appropriately, they will never be raped. Just like no one suggests that, with an alarm, their car will never be stolen. One who suggest a car alarm, is not blaming the owners of stolen un-alarmed cars for the theft. Neither is one who suggest wearing clothes, supporting the rape of naked women.
These are the kinds of ideas that makes reasoning with authors of these words, seem unreasonable.
(You know what rapists actually look for? They look for people who are isolated. People who seem physically and emotionally vulnerable. People who won't fight back. If you want to be helpful, suggest that women stay connected with others, learn to be aware of their surroundings and carry themselves with confidence, learn self-defence. But even then, remember that most rapes occur at home, with the rapist known to the victim, because most rapists are opportunists. And remember that - for example - people with disabilities are vastly over-represented as rape victims, because their disability made them vulnerable, and it's not as if they could do much about that!)
How is it that you know the heart and mind of every rapist and potential rapist alive? Do you have degrees related to the study of the mind? Have you conducted interviews with hundreds of criminals and now attribute your findings to all criminals and potential criminals?
You say what happens in most cases......so there are a few cases you dont cover. How do you know that covering up one day wont help one woman one time in one part of the world? And if there is that chance....would it not be worth it? What is the harm in helping that one person, while you focus only on the "most" of cases.
You say these people are opportunist.......Therefore is it beyond the realm of possibility that one person one day who seeks a targets, would rather a target in a really short skirt, than a pair of pants or something else more difficult to remove? Is there a chance he would be more enticed by breast that are clearly visible than those that are fully blocked by clothing?
Even if this is a one in a million chance.....where is the harm in suggesting clothes? Why does the suggestion support the criminal?
That's why I'm pushing back on this argument. It is untrue, not helpful, and actively harmful.
I feel likewise, that your suggestion is unwise and sends a feeling of hopelessness. You seem to not want any help from men or anyone you deem less knowledgeable.....
Yet, I will not push back.....My words are for the readers to see an alternate perspective.
That's not me being angry or belittling or attacking or bashing you. It's me, very calmly and aiming to be friendly and constructive, trying to explain to you why what you're saying is not helpful and is in fact harmful to women. That's all.
I do not presume to know your heart and mind......I am just reading words......neither is my heart and mind affected by the words I read.
Also I speak for myself, not all men.....and I presented natural scenarios and options, and not anything that I feel or believe concerning these actual situations or any biblical significance.
My only theme has been, that I see no wrong in the OP offering help, as they see it, in the form of coverings; however helpful it may actually be. For they are only doing and saying what they believe is right. If we were all shut down and dismissed for every word that left our mouth, by those who disagreed.....how many of our words would be left standing?
When I am shut down in the future, will it be because im speaking truth and the Bible says that people will not hear it? Or will i be reaping what I've sown.....because I too dismissed words I felt came from a less than knowledgeable source?