marichiko

Well, BigV, I think we are fundamentally in agreement. I did not mean to imply that the xx chromosome bestows x-ray vision to read between the lines of society's messages in general.

However, women are taught to view the world as populated by threats from men. "Don't wear suggestive clothing or you're asking for 'it.'" "Don't talk to strangers - especially men." "Don't go do things alone after dark."

Women are continually being warned how to avoid danger from men, whether real or percieved. When I had jobs that caused me to work until after dark, the security guards would always escort me and other female employees to our cars. They didn't do that for the male employees. Women are treated to stories of charming serial killers and rapists and told to "watch out". When I go out on the weekends selling roses, bar patrons and staff, especially the women, will admonish me to "stay safe." I seldom, if ever, hear anyone telling a man who goes out alone at night to "stay safe."

This is, indeed, society's norm, and, as a result, women are more quick to pick up on such subliminal messages.