Women reveal all the things they'd love to do if men had a curfew, and it's eye-opening
The women responding to the Twitter thread said they just wanted to be free from the fear of being attacked.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on July 26, 2021. It has since been updated.
We live in a patriarchal world, where women can't even step out for a walk at night without the threat of being assaulted, raped, or killed looming over them. A YouGov poll revealed that 86% of women aged between 18 and 24 have been the victim of sexual harassment, reported The Guardian. It could take years, decades, or even centuries before women feel safe to go out at night without fear. Danielle Muscato, the host of the #Resist Podcast, asked Twitter what women would do if men had a curfew and the answers are eye-opening and heartbreaking. A majority of the replies were just women wanting to do the most simple things including taking a walk at night, listening to music, not having to hold keys between their fingers and to put it plainly, to just existing without the fear of being attacked.
Ladies, a question for you:
— Danielle Muscato (she/her) (@DanielleMuscato) September 25, 2018
"What would you do if all men had a 9pm curfew?"
Dudes: Read the replies and pay attention.#metoo #Kavanaugh #Cosby #feminism #maleprivilege #privilege
The Twitter thread made rounds on the internet and Muscato, who's a trans woman, was overjoyed at the response. “I was thrilled to see it getting so much attention — lots of cis men responded too, and I think that’s great,” Muscato told The Daily Dot. “A number of people really seemed genuinely shocked at the kinds of mental exhaustion women have to endure every day just navigating our lives, in ways that cis men simply can’t understand because it doesn’t exist in their world.”
Here are some of the tweets that we came across:
Honestly I would just walk around, by myself, listening to music. When I get to my car at night I wouldn't lock it as soon as I close the door.
— Cassidy (@cassidoo) September 25, 2018
I wouldn't have to say "text me when you get home so i know your safe" to my friends or "stay safe" when heading off in different directions after a night out. I don't pass every guy thinking he's going to attack me, but I still have to be careful where I walk. Do guys?
— Lorraine Gronan (@lainy1877) October 2, 2018
I would walk to my car with my keys in my purse and not spread between my fingers as a potential weapon. I would listen to music on headphones, as I strolled and admired the lit street lamps in Central Park.
— Donna Lynne Champlin (@DLChamplin) September 25, 2018
Walk through cities at night to see the lights. Walk through the woods or at the beach to see the stars and hear the ocean. Wear my hair down and not carry my keys between my fingers. Stop at an outdoor cafe for a peaceful dinner and drink. Read a book by lamplight outdoors.
— Marjie Cunningham (@missmarjiec) October 2, 2018
Go out to bars by myself, walk with both headphones in my ears without my keys in between my fingers inmy hand.
— Kristen Michelle (@KristenKayMBee) September 25, 2018
I would go outside or to a park at night. I love the nighttime outside when it's so quiet, and there is a quiet contemplative beauty to the world, especially in the city. But is hard to enjoy it when I'm hypervigilant to possible threats (getting mugged/assaulted/kidnapped).
— bi burnham (@neutronsoup) September 26, 2018
I could actually go for a walk at night. Maybe sit on the beach at night & listen to the waves while watching the stars in the sky. Maybe go out for drinks with my friends without worrying about being hit on by some creepy guy. Go outside without a bra on for a change.
— Cat (@Cat_in_Florida) September 26, 2018
I'd do all my grocery shopping at 9:01pm so I wouldn't be followed to my car, not told to smile in the store, not told (this one is so real it hurts), "You don't need to be eating all that, it's not good for you!" because I bought my kids some popsicles.
— Lorca Damon (@LorcaDamon) September 26, 2018
Go camping solo--and then if I heard something approaching my tent at night I could worry that it IS a bear rather than worrying that it ISN'T a bear.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) September 26, 2018
Me too. Would be so nice to not have to run in the heat of the day.
— Shauna Henry (@shaunahenryart) September 25, 2018
Having drinks with girlfriends, being able to leave an establishment without fear of being followed by a man who felt I "encouraged him" by being in the same place at the same time.
— Tiffany G (@tiffany_getch) September 25, 2018
Long, calm, solo nighttime walks. That would be amazing.
— Bronwyn Harris, One Outspoken Educator (@BronwynAnn) September 25, 2018
Things I would do if all men had a 9pm curfew :
— Joanie Brosas 🇵🇭🇺🇲 (@JoanieBrosas) October 3, 2018
Go on a long walk
Feel safe enough to fill up on gas
Drive to my favorite ice cream place
Go to a park and look at stars
Sit outside and drink a beer
Grab whatever I forgot in my car
Go to a movie
What would YOU do?
Late night grocery shopping! No lines, no kids, so great. Alas, that walk through the parking lot. I'd just like to take my dogs for a walk when it's cool out.
— Kimberly Hudson (@kimberlylhudson) September 26, 2018
Wow, I feel horrible right now. None of this has ever occurred to me as an issue. I run, I go do whatever I want whenever I want.
— Houston Wolf (@houstonwolf) September 26, 2018
Why aren't women filled with uncontrollable rage all the time?
If there were no men after 9
— Dr Aeman Rashid 💙💙 (@MagicoAeman) September 30, 2018
I would walk and walk and walk for hours alone enjoying the night without fear.
I'd run without being cat called
I'd sing my favourite songs and laugh aloud for all the freedom I am getting
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