Teens in Jamaica Plain craft a new 'no' to sexual harassment

The Boston Globe ^ | August 25, 2005 | Megan Tench

[ConservativeStatement]

They are going to hand the men cards that say ''Please Respect Me" and spell out definitions of sexual harassment. It's a move designed to educate the men and boost the girls' self-esteem, said community organizers who helped guide them -- but it also puts some Boston police officials on edge as they urge the girls to avoid confronting potentially threatening people.

[ConservativeStatement]

This was topic of discussion on a local radio show.

[TexasCajun]

"Please Respect Me"

Stop dressing like a crack whore!

[mtbopfuyn]

boost the girls' self-esteem

A karate class would do the same with better results.

[Argh]

Beauty!

[thoughtomator]

My thought exactly... check out the descriptions of these girls - if your clothes and hair and other decorations say "plaything" don't be surprised if some man wants to take you up on the offer.

[ConservativeStatement]

The first caller to the radio show, a female, said the same thing.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I have a crazy idea...... put a cop on that stretch of street -

[Clemenza]

Isn't Jamaica Plain a major Dyke neighborhood?

[RepoGirl]

I lived in Jamaica Plain for 6 years. Jackson Square was always crack town. My roommate during that time was six-foot-tall, and even she didn't feel safe walking to the Stop and Shop there.

Somehow, I really doubt little cards saying, "Please Respect Me" will work. Glock 9mms might.

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

This new idiocy is really just another worthless United Nations Resolution, right?

I'm sure Saddam would respect any woman who handed him such a card.

[RepoGirl]

Only in a few areas, the rest is all gangland and government housing.

[SteveMcKing]

JP is ghetto. Don't be surprized by any fruity thing that comes out of it, entirely paid by your tax dollars.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Quick! Let's get over to Cafe Press and make up those really low-cut t-shirts that have the push-up bras sewn right into them, emblazoned with "Please Respect Me." *Rolleyes*

These girls need Fathers. Big, mean Fathers. And they need to constantly question their Mothers as to why they DON'T have Fathers...

[ConservativeStatement]

I am not familiar with J.P. The South End, close to it, has/had a decent sized gay community.

[HEY4QDEMS]

JP is ghetto

JP used to be ghetto, now it's gay sheik.

[HEY4QDEMS]

sheik = chick

[Clemenza]

It's CHIC!

However, I do like the phrase "Gay Sheik." Like some Arab Guy in a pink robe.

[HEY4QDEMS]

It's CHIC!

Please forgive me, I've never been Chic, or chick, or a sheik, I've just been plain old boring me

[DumpsterDiver]

"Please Respect Me"

Now, or in the morning?

[TNdandelion]

Are they handing these cards to men that they are dating or just any man on the street?

I think it's sort of presumptious to think that every man doesn't know what "no" means. If I were a man that was handed this card, I'd be offended. As a woman, I was just really picky about who I went out with and knew better than to bring scum home to meet daddy!