During a rough part of my life, I started noticing how much this phrase is said, “boys will be boys.” This phrase is used to excuse bad behavior and is part of the reason why so many women have to live in fear around men, who weren’t taught what is wrong. This phrase ignites a fire in me. I hear it often from family members when it comes to my young cousins. I hear it as a bystander at events where little boys are acting out.
Boys may be boys, but parents should educate them on how to properly treat people. We as women should not live in fear, not trusting our neighbors or even friend. It’s disappointing to know that women have experienced sexual assault at least once in their lifetime. What’s even more disappointing is that many women experience it from people they’ve placed their trust in. I feel like every month, I receive an email from my school stating that sexual assault occurred on campus.
Almost every email also states that the victim knew their assaulter. Why is it that we must live constantly on edge? Wondering if we’re trusting the right person? Possibly traumatized from experiences we couldn’t control. Boys will be boys? Well, don’t blame us when women speak out against the boys who grew up thinking their behavior was okay.
April is the month of sexual assault awareness, so let’s end this rationalization. Parents need to do better in teaching their boys that their behavior is unacceptable. Teach consent. It’s important we create a safe space for victims and start taking action against these assaulters.