I agree- mistakes happen, definitely. But in situations where you are getting to know people, if you are worried about offending someone by calling them the wrong gender, it's just a little more work to use gender neutral pronouns until you have a name or they identify themselves as he, she, etc.

Why can't you (and all of us) adjust the way you address people whose gender you are unsure of? I am sure if you would have said "Hey buddy, I like your shirt- what's your name?" You would have gotten a really positive response :-)

MY LEEF!!!

That is a really good thought :-)

Oh, I just couldn't let you go, could I? Lol, that would be great!

The bass (or cello) says Kanazawa College of Art Industrial Design

What you saw was this: http://m.funsubstance.com/fun/120970/please-read-could-save-lives/ and it's a perfect example as to why lists like that and other "helpful advice" and hearsay do the exact opposite of productively preventing rape. Here is an article debunking that list (and many more like it) point by point: http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/ninetips.asp
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That was an excellent example, thank you. I hope you enjoy the Men Can Stop Rape group- your energy towards wanting to end sexual assaults are much better used there then here, I am sure we agree on that. Much luck, I look forward to hearing about your good works! :-)

You seem to be upset at an idea that is not being presented here. While I find your argument for false arousal murky, the overall point you are arguing is not in this post. No where is it arguing against practical protection measures, so I am really puzzled at your overall tone.
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So let's end this on a practical note- since you are a man, and I believe you would like to work to stop rape I would like to direct you to an organization that is doing just that. Very rarely do I see none-feminist men speak out against rape, mostly I see them argue against the way women choose to empower themselves against it- so this organization is really important in breaking the stereotypes that only women and only feminists advocate against rape. I am sure you'll find other men as passionate about ways to stop rape as yourself: http://www.mencanstoprape.org/

It's not victim blaming to tell women to be aware of their surroundings. It is victim blaming to say women need to be careful of getting someone "falsely aroused," there is a large difference in the thinking between those ideas.
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No where in this post or any of the comments (other than the ones you all have made) does it suggest for women not to protect themselves- that is an inference you made on your own. But your comments prove perfectly why this post is needed, and why the conversations need to start happening.
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When we believe by telling women to go beyond normal steps anyone would take, man or woman, to protect themselves (like altering their appearance, being reliant on others, etc.) should be the practical and normal advice, there is something very wrong with how we are addressing the rape epidemic. When we expect the victims to do the work of protector, advocate, and lawyer, there is something very wrong. The conversation needs to change.

I liked this a lot too, I think it's my favorite post that I have posted :-)

I find it very interesting that this post, which is obviously satirical in it's content, is drawing such a reaction largely among gender lines. No where has anyone or anything stated women should not protect themselves, because women know we're taught to protect ourselves from sexual assault from her young ages ("cross your legs!" "Stranger danger!" Etc) Not being taught about rape is not an option for women, but I suppose you'd have to be a woman to know that, to know we are always aware of the danger of being raped, we are always vigilant.
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This list, which again, is obviously a satirical list (you understand we don't expect rapists to follow lists, any of them) is a comment against the thinking of society about rape. That the victim controls the actions of the rapists, that they are at fault for causing sexual arousal, drinking or walking alone. That they should have followed "rules," they should have stopped it. I'm glad it made you all think, hopefully you will continue.

That account has been blocked- it was a second (or third, etc.) account made by another username. So no worries :-)

I'm the one that got away.... Surprise!

I completely agree, that is why I love lists like these. It's meant to adjust the way people think about rape prevention, just like you say- and it places the responsibility back where it belongs.

I've seen that one too! I love it as well