I observe it frequently with my male students, which is unnerving, and a certain acceptance of it from my female students, which is in many ways more so. I really think part of the key is empowering young women, making it easier for them to feel confident independent of men (which I think Pogie has written about http://intelligentdiscontent.com/2012/01/10/taking-women-students-seriously/). This is not only important for the women who later find themselves in circumstances where they are at risk, but also for their peers, whose opinions largely determine whether sexual assaults are tolerated or reported and dealt with.

With my little sister attending UM, that’s very scary to me – to think that she could be subjected to this same attitude. Until the culture changes, immediate and firm enforcement is all the more important.

What disturbs me most is that it now it has spawned a Federal Investigation due to the lack of action taking by the various parties involved. Why should this federal action be needed?

As far as the situation spanning decades, it does, regardless of how much you dislike the messenger. We are from the area, remember? It is certainly not a problem confined only to Missoula, but it is a situation that exists there. I don’t think that Rob was insinuating any insult on the City of Missoula in General, but you have to ask yourself… “How comfortable are you sending your daughter to UofM?”. In my case, the answer would certainly be VERY uncomfortable. I am glad that she lives offcampus and is armed with a very large handgun that she is more than capable of using.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gipbgWy2YvU

as for the Missoula bashing and prognostication of partisan consequences, that’s not what this is about. those who take it there are being counterproductive and opportunistic.

To those who’ve actually paid attention, these issues go back decades. This is not a new outrage. My question is this: can Missoula overcome it’s moral arrogance and actually change the culture that’s been built over a quarter century? My pessimistic assessment is “no”. The people who could change things are never to be even remotely responsible. It certainly must be someone else.

I’m going to make a prediction I will likely take some flak for, but I stand behind it nonetheless. The next Montana town that will fall to the far right is Missoula. And those who struggle against such will blame everyone else given their failure. Truly I hope that I’m wrong. I doubt I am.