Second Letter to Boris Johnson

Since the mayor hasn't replied. I thought I'd write again:

mayor@london.gov.uk

Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 7:54 PM

subject Re: Publicly viewing pornographic material on London Transport.

Dear Boris Johnson,

Again, I am asking for you to consider the effect that men viewing pornographic material on public transport, without censure, has on female passenger's sense of safety and inclusion.

Women live in constant fear, whether consciously or not, of rape, sexual harassment or sexual assault, especially when we are travelling alone. In my personal experience I have had a number of intimidating experiences from men on public transport including harassment and feeling 'cornered', unwanted physical contact and lecherous behaviour. My experiences are not exceptional - just ask any woman you know.

You have given funding to rape crisis centres, which is a small comfort, but considering that only 5% of reported rapes end in a conviction, there are many rapists wandering London, freely able to commit their crimes again, knowing they would be incredibly unlucky to have to pay for their crime. Funding rape crisis centres does nothing to prevent further attacks, it only lessens the traumatic aftermath of having been raped.

I have written to the London Assembly and Andrew Boff assured me that he knows "the Mayor takes the issue of violence against women very seriously and [he] would be happy to forward on any suggestions [I] may have to make London a safer place for women to live."

I ask you to take a stronger stance on the prevention of sexual harassment, humiliation, intimidation, sex-assault and rape of women, firstly by examining the links between the sexual objectification of women, the open tolerance for men arousing themselves publicly by sexually objectifying women in pornography, the sexual crimes against women and the fear of rape women experience.

The commonality that all these things above share, is a disrespect for women and a culture that implies that men's wishes take priority over women's wishes, male sexual indulgance and expression takes priority over women's safety and dignity.

You may ask "what difference does it make if we ban porn on public transport, or class the viewing of it on public transport as anti-social behaviour and campaign accordingly against it- afterall men who harass, sexually assault/rape women are different from 'normal' men and they will do it anyway?".

It would make a huge difference. Primarily because it would increase women's sense of belonging and safety on public transport. Secondly it would encourage passengers to challenge men who are behaving disrespectfully towards women including brazenly arousing themselves with porn in front of them, and also encourage them to intervene if a woman appears to be harassed. Thirdly, it would put out a strong message that the disrespectful treatment of women is not acceptable, to the very men who behave in a callous way towards women. Fourthly, it would help women to feel that the law and politicians are on their side.

Leaving this behaviour un-challenged puts out the exact opposite message, simply by its absence. Surely this is more important than 'not eating smelly food'? Is there any reason why women should have to put up with men viewing imagery that would not be tolerated in the workplace on public transport?

Please could you explain your reasons for non-action on this issue

Yours sincerely...

If you feel similarly outraged that behaviour that is no longer acceptable in the workplace (ogling over porn or displaying it the the form of calenders, etc) yet women are expected to put up with this on public transport, please join me in writing to the Mayor, TFL, the London Assembly and/or your local MP to complain.

Together we can change things!!!