Sexual Violence Dialogue Continues

To the Editors:

Mr. Joffe-Walt believes that I misunderstood his original letter regarding sexual violence. While that’s possible, it’s also possible that he misunderstood my point. So I’ll attempt to clarify. I believe that my point is considerably easier to understand than his point.
First, I believe that Mr. Joffe-Walt confuses fact with opinion. He is expressing an opinion, and has the absolute right to do so. However, I would appreciate his opinions on my “complicity in sexual violence” not being interpreted as fact.
Mr. Joffe-Walt suggests that I “try to imagine that I/you/we are indeed implicated in these systems of violence.” I’ve tried, and believe I am not so implicated.
“Do they think sexual violence exists?” Please don’t talk down to me. Yes, of course it exists. To clarify: I believe that the significance of sexual violence is in violent actions for which individuals must take responsibility. Do I believe that arson violence exists? Yes, of course it exists. Am I implicated? No, I am not. I have both a penis and matches. I have never been sexually violent nor have I committed arson. The fact that I am capable of either does not make me complicit in the actions of others.
“How does it operate and why does it occur?” I hate to ask the obvious, but why not ask the people who commit it, rather than blaming everyone who is male?
Mr. Joffe-Walt uses arguments that make me guilty or implicated no matter what I say. If I agree with him, then by definition I am implicated. If I do not, I am defensive and “feeling threatened.” In either case, I am somehow “benefitting from violent subjugation.” Sorry folks, I’m not. I’m sure Mr. Joffe-Walt believes that I am, but I’m just not smart enough to realize it. Fact is, I’m just a guy trying to get through life. I’m not “threatened by a challenge that involves critical personal interrogation.” I’ve had over twice as long as Mr. Joffe-Walt to ask myself personal questions, and over twice as long to come up with answers. And my answers don’t match his.

–Paul Wilczynski
OC ‘70