Entry tags:
Another random annoying website
Oh my. I totally lost track of what I was initially looking for when Google landed me at Adventure Network; I think it was some kind of gear review. It looked like a bad enough sign that the main navigation bar had choices such as "Camping", "First Aid", and "Women"--which kinda distracted me--but then I clicked through to the gem that is Travel Tips and Safety Hints (in the "Women" section, of course). It was even further OTT than I was expecting.
Apparently, if you're doing wilderness travel in the U.S., among other things, you should:
That's all one item. That came across as particularly bizarre in context, since in the usual versions of the men as hungry bears approach, not-so-"conservative" dress involves items like short skirts and low-cut tops, which are not really compatible with wilderness settings in the first place. Don't wear bright colors or it'll be like a red flag in front of a, erm, hungry bear? Not than anything is likely to be right. I also find it interesting how flirting and appearing frightened are mentioned in the same sentence, set up in opposition to being confident.
Real hungry bears do get one mention in that section, at least. But it's less important to know to, say, check your boots and sleeping bag for creepy crawlies full of neurotoxic venom than it is to avoid camping where other sounds might drown out human footsteps.
Then there's the advice for travelling abroad, which also includes--you guessed it--dressing conservatively and not flirting with strange men. We should also remember that "A lone female with lots of luggage invites attention, and not always welcome attention!". There's a big long list of similar, presumably because those foreigners are extra-super scary.
Yeah, it's nigh impossible to avoid this kind of fearmongering crap, but it struck me as particularly screwed-up in the context of "outdoors enthusiasts and the adventure-focused". While "traveling alone or with another female companion can be a very rewarding and exciting venture", it sounds a lot more appealing to lock yourself in your own bathroom with a can of pepper spray and a butcher knife. Which is kinda the point, but it continues to piss me off.
Obligatory link to one version of Sexual assault prevention tips guaranteed to work. I'd have to add "When you see a fellow hiker, remember not to assault and/or murder them."
Apparently, if you're doing wilderness travel in the U.S., among other things, you should:
Dress conservatively. Be confident among strangers. Don’t invite trouble by flirting or appearing frightened.
That's all one item. That came across as particularly bizarre in context, since in the usual versions of the men as hungry bears approach, not-so-"conservative" dress involves items like short skirts and low-cut tops, which are not really compatible with wilderness settings in the first place. Don't wear bright colors or it'll be like a red flag in front of a, erm, hungry bear? Not than anything is likely to be right. I also find it interesting how flirting and appearing frightened are mentioned in the same sentence, set up in opposition to being confident.
Real hungry bears do get one mention in that section, at least. But it's less important to know to, say, check your boots and sleeping bag for creepy crawlies full of neurotoxic venom than it is to avoid camping where other sounds might drown out human footsteps.
Then there's the advice for travelling abroad, which also includes--you guessed it--dressing conservatively and not flirting with strange men. We should also remember that "A lone female with lots of luggage invites attention, and not always welcome attention!". There's a big long list of similar, presumably because those foreigners are extra-super scary.
Yeah, it's nigh impossible to avoid this kind of fearmongering crap, but it struck me as particularly screwed-up in the context of "outdoors enthusiasts and the adventure-focused". While "traveling alone or with another female companion can be a very rewarding and exciting venture", it sounds a lot more appealing to lock yourself in your own bathroom with a can of pepper spray and a butcher knife. Which is kinda the point, but it continues to piss me off.
Obligatory link to one version of Sexual assault prevention tips guaranteed to work. I'd have to add "When you see a fellow hiker, remember not to assault and/or murder them."