For instance…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh5LZBpEKzo

@Bummedout, that’s too bad… everybody I’ve talked to who did go to TAM appear to be having a great time.

The discussion over there, vs the discussion in circles which identify as ‘atheist’ in purpose, is striking.

Nearly none of us are active in atheist circles, in part because atheism seems to attract… well… ‘these’ people. People who don’t believe in ANYTHING they can’t see, least of all sexism. People who don’t understand that there are guidelines to hitting on women, and that women don’t reject them based only on looks. People who can’t be told these things because they retreat into lashing out against ALL WOMEN while simultaneously insisting they aren’t sexist.

I refuse to put up with being called a bad feminist, or anti-woman, just because I agree with Dawkins’ valid (at least in my opinion) point, that we are missing the real issues here. Now he gets hate mail from skepchick readers and people swear to never buy his books. All because he would rather deal with women who get arrested for driving a car, stoned to death for being raped, or mulilated just because, rather than to deal with the woman who gets aproached in an elevator and nothing happens.

@15 S.: Thank you for reminding me that people like you still exist. I’ve been growing more depressed reading comments and blogs, that no matter what I do, I’m doomed to being perceived as a potential rapist. The thought is enough to make a decent guy sick. What’s a feminist man to do but treat women as frail, terrified rabbits. Our mere presence may be enough to spark fear of rape. And we can’t rely on any feedback: the poor girl might be too afraid to object! If that were reality, I’d simply rather not speak to any women at all. It’s the humane thing to do.

I don’t even enjoy making comments like this one because it feels like I’m belittling the feminist position, and I honestly don’t want to do that. I just don’t understand how the it’s supposed to work, the way so many feminists are presenting it.

I agree with this, and do so. But while this is a fine approach for someone you already know (like a spouse, boyfriend or coworker) or with a stranger in a public space (like a bar or conference activity) but I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing so in an enclosed space without other people around, like the elevator situation that started this whole thing.

Skeptical men may be easier to get this though to because they are engaged in a lot of subjects.

They know a lot more about dungeons and dragons, electronics, math etc. They are geeky guys…and they really have no exposure to women other than thier mother or sister.

We are not dealing with lounge lizards or pimps here. We are dealing with the socially inadaquete.

It should be easier to get them engaged. They are obviously interested. Let’s just clue them in so they know what is appropriate.

Next year have someone give a lecture on the new social rules.
The rules of the dating and mating game change so fast now that you have to be a bar troll to keep up with what is cool.

It is a good bet the skeptic guys are not hanging out in bars. They are too busy actually thinking. So we all need to think this through.

What people don’t realize, is how we practice storytelling every day, without realizing it. It becomes a powerful tool in shaping opinion and changing minds, but is so subtle, you are often unaware of it.

One point I’ll make regarding the comments of people who had an issue with your writing, are the use of the words “only,” “always,” and “all the time.” Even words, like, “many,” and “often,” can be used around points being made based on personal experience, but are being used to extend to a wider group. Personal opinion is really important to hear, but can be disregarded if you attempt to let yourself speak on behalf of a certain group.