Jaclyn Friedman on sexual-assault prevention on college campuses:
The college students are back. They’re in the grocery stores, stocking up on Top Ramen. They’re at IKEA, buying oddly shaped pillows for their dorm rooms. Very soon, they’ll be at parties, doing things that would give their parents full-on coronaries. And that means it’s time for a classic college ritual, adult-style: freaking out about the safety of our girls.
At about this time every year, adult anxiety about sexual assault reaches a tipping point and gives way to an avalanche of advice to young women from campuses, commentators, and parents alike: Don’t hook up! Don’t dress provocatively! Watch your drink! Actually, don’t drink at all! Always stay with a friend! Don’t stay out too late! Don’t walk home alone! Etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseam.