A great playoff start by our Calgary Flames is worth getting excited about but, this week, I’m also cheering the plucky upstarts behind an emerging campaign for a Safe Red Mile.
In response to reports of women being harassed and verbally assaulted in bars and on 17th Avenue following these early games, groups of young women are organizing and speaking out online and in real life, demanding opportunities for female hockey fans to cheer how and where they like without fear.
It’s a timely and appropriate response to sexism which is a daily occurrence in our city. #SafeRedMile echoes #hollaback and other campaigns picking up steam in many North American cities by declaring women’s rights to go and wear what they choose.
While each woman can determine for herself how she wishes to celebrate, dress and show her body, we must vigorously object to demeaning, exploitive behaviours aimed at coercing more from women than they’re prepared to share. 2015’s version proclaims “Show Your Cans for Monahan”, referencing Flames star centre Sean Monahan. This pithy chant is the follow-up to the 2004 slogan “Shirts off for Kiprusoff.”
Particularly for women who have survived sexual abuse and violence, street harassment like catcalls and uninvited groping can be a disturbing and painful reminder of past assaults.
We cannot condone these sorts of sexist, asinine comments (and worse) from overzealous revelers be it during a spirit boosting playoff run or in the midst of the Calgary Stampede.
In today’s hyper sexualized, alcohol-fueled culture we have come to connect fun, community events about pucks and horses with the exploitation of women’s bodies.
When booze and crowd pressures are at play, the onus must be on each of us – as caring, respectful Calgarians – to act in the best interests of ourselves, our sisters, friends and daughters. Good referees call the offsides.
With eyes on Calgary, let’s ensure we stand behind our hardworking Flames in a manner befitting the team and our community.
Go Flames Go!
Sue Tomney
CEO, YWCA of Calgary
