Debates good for protecting rights

Ji Yingchun, professor of School of Sociology and Political science, Shanghai University

I'm glad to see this topic being discussed. But a debate on sexual harassment should involve more than just women-only subway cars.

Introducing the women-only cars can only be the beginning of the lengthy process of fostering gender equality amid continued discussion on the issue. The discussion will allow men and women both to gradually reach a consensus on what constitutes sexual harassment. This is important because, for example, many men say one cannot be accused of sexual harassment for just looking at a woman, without realizing there is a sea of difference in just glancing at and gazing at, gawking at, ogling at or leering at a woman. Many men can terrify a woman just with their gaze. Wouldn't it be a good idea therefore to install cameras in metros to identify and keep record of such men?

In our society, girls are always taught to protect themselves and watch out for the bad guys. Some girls even learn to tolerate minor misbehaviors. If more girls are encouraged to express their likes and dislikes, the public code of ethics will become more balanced, and men will realize sexual harassment can land them in trouble.