poisons, weapons, the rate of decomposition of various parts of the human body, cadaver insects, where to plant red herrings, and why Brightstar reminds me of Norman Bates.

However, if you really want to consult someone who loves this stuff, you should look through the posts of Gams on Glass -- which are rather scary -- even to me.

I suspect you think you're cute. If you're serious, you're sick. Even if you're trying to be funny, you're sick.

I urge Salon editors to delete these posts, such as AKA Smith's, that glorify violence.

Would you really want paradisefound24 NOT to give any consideration to the logistics of actually taking out a grown man with a knife?

Don't be silly. The job title is writer.

But seems like you should have a reasonable expectation of privacy in your own clothes. I mean, call me crazy, but if I wanted people to see my underwear, I wouldn't bother with wearing clothes over them. And just to point it out- to those of you who are saying that women and girls wearing miniskirts or skimpy clothing should expect to be objectified and sexualized, it's quite possible for a guy to take a picture up a knee-length skirt. Even women who are not dressed in a provocative fashion can be victimized by these creeps.

Take the fight to him. Obviously no one cares or is going to protect you so you should be allowed to fight back in whatever way is necessary without any fear of prosecution.

There are men who will carve up a woman. Drag her into a ditch and cut off her nose. Her breasts. Her hands.

Nothing I have said here is as violent as that, is it?

I think Clark-Flory's article is designed to entice in some sort of perverted way the same geeks that are taking photos. I find the item crude in presentation throughout, and the judgment of so-called educated persons rather primitive.

We all know what's under panties and and down blouses. What I'm really curious about, Tracy Clark-Flory, is what you think offensive behavior is. What does it mean to you, to respect boundaries? To make light of any kind of perversion is aberrant. Your jargon isn't savvy, it's sick.

John Morris's comment would make me laugh if it weren't so damned pathetic! I don't care if someone takes my photograph on the street. I sure as hell care if it is taken without my being aware of it and in a clandestine manner in an effort to get a sexual thrill and pass it on to be shared, at my expense. And, it is at my and society's expense in one form or another. I care a lot about that.

Since men wear pants with zippers, it would be considered highly inappropriate for me to take a photograph of him in his "jocks" or "boxers". I'd have to ask him to unzip and expose himself first. But, what the hell? He's in a public street, right?

I agree with Susan Gallagher that these freaks get to be the sexual aggressor without the woman even knowing it; but I whole-heartedly disagree with her comment about "The conventions that guide what is and is not a violation are currently under construction." Further, she adds, "Privacy is based on an expection and, in general, people (doesn't she mean women here?) don't have an expectation of privacy in public."

Are you kidding me? Gallagher is a professor of political science at U/MA and she is speaking thusly?

There is some very convoluted thinking going on here. Am I to deduce from her comment then that women should expect to be molested and raped in public because "The conventions that guide what is and is not a violation are currently under construction."

As the title of this letter implies, "and the ultimate construct is?"

Sorry, but this type of reasoning, both the article and the quotes is a giant step backward for women.

this distinction seems to be lost on some here (of course stalking and harrassment ARE prohibted and determining when that is, or is not, occuring IS, in contrast to the upskirt "question" a real question).

in order to prove his innocence on the unsworn word (therefore not legally accountable for anything she says) of any women in public, who could be on drugs, insane, anything, is a MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM than anthing, anything real that is, that has been discussed so far. It really validates all the paranoia.

No, they don't.

and does not have and will never have any effect on you.

I'm in.

You might also consider "bashing". A suitably heavy blender or food processor might also lend itself to be used as a blunt-force instrument. You don't see enough bashing these days. I suppose its out of style at the moment. I've also heard you should never bash after Labor Day...

Why Brightstar says women treat men really bad, or actually I've figured out what's really going on despite his pontifications on the putrification of the female gender. It's because women, and I do remember him whining about some fiancee leaving him or something, treat, or have treated HIM badly. But there's no mystery there, I can't believe he himself hasn't figured it out. It's because he's pretty much an assboil that needs to be lanced with a sterilized needle, see these assboils are contagious. One girl doesn't worship properly and we're all generalized by ol'man bittermilk, then he takes it out on the poor next sally shmally who gives him a half hour at lunch and he blows it by spewing the same lovable mysogonist drivel, probably while spitting out baked potato parts over a hurried lunch, and he blows it with the next girl. Then it's ALL GIRLS SUCK, right? Grow some manparts B! Just because not all women want to be with you doesn't mean all women suck, it just means YOU probably suck. Think about it.

So, Brightstar, let me get this straight...you're upset because you can't walk around in tights, a codpiece, or a skirt without ridicule? And for this, you blame "feminism?"

Well, if you want to strut around in tights and a codpiece, perhaps you consider going to RenFair and doing so...you'd probably be a big hit! :) As far as the flouncy skirt goes, I don't see a problem with you wearing one in public. However, it does violate social norms...I don't think you should get fired for that, or even made fun of..but some people will, just like some people made fun of me for being a goth chick in a preppy high school. And it's not "feminism's" fault. It's just that some people, both men and women, never grew past that stage in high school where they had to punish those of us who were "different" just to feel okay about themselves.

Feminists really don't want to control your libido...we just want you to control yourself, okay? If a woman is wearing revealing clothes in a public place, it's okay to look briefly and enjoy, but staring for long periods of time or continuing to look after the woman has made her displeasure at your gaze known makes women think you might be a potential rapist/stalker dude. Even if you are not a rapist/stalker dude, but merely someone who lacks social skills, staring makes you seem creepy. Remember, 1 in 4 of us have been sexually assaulted. The woman you are staring at has either had more than her photo taken by force, or she knows someone who has and doesn't want to be next. You can go on about the "Abuse" of men by women when 1 in 4 men are actually sexually assaulted by women, okay?

For anything other than brief appreciative glances, ie photos, touching, or talking dirty...you need to find another consenting adult, which will no doubt be easier if you actually treat women with respect and like people instead of a collection of private parts who exist only for your amusement. Also, have you not considered the idea that by objectifying women you may be attracting women who want to use their sexuality to get money, etc? Like attracts like, you know? If you objectify women, expect them to objectify you. Look, I'm not denying that some women are bitches, gold diggers, exhibitionists, etc. I know several. However, not all women are, and certainly not all "feminists." Just like not all men are sexist pigs who enjoy looking at pics of unsuspecting women...unlike you, as you've already admitted.

Basically, stop blaming feminism for all your problems and making justifications for treating women as mere objects, and life might get better. Don't pin all your hopes on a mail-order bride from a country with more traditional gender roles, either...if you don't respect her, she'll leave just as fast as you can say "green card" and find someone who will!