Saturday, October 10, 2009

Where I Stand!

Q: Inquiring minds want to know-- "Does Dr. Ruthless suggest that learning to fight back IS the solution to violence against women?"

A: No. I don't suggest that fighting back IS the sole solution to violence against women -- of course not -- or that it's always effective or the best option. But what I am saying is this: when you boil it down, the answer to WHY men violate women may be simpler than we think: those who will do it because they can. When we discourage women from learning violent self defense we (inadvertently albeit) encourage them to submit to victimization -- not to mention suffering the traumatic aftermath.

The gig is up. To be safer and self possessed, and to pass power to our daughters, we MUST become literate in the strategies of combat. Until we know-- not just in our heads, but in our loins and limbs, in our sex and souls-- that we too can be dangerous creatures, and not just feel like the endangered ones, we will NEVER be safe or whole.

So here's my new rule: Instead of shunning aggression let us view it as a resource and learn to wield its tools.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

GIRL POWER! "SOMEHOW I GATHERED COURAGE!"


Two fists pumping! 18 Year Old Kasmir Girl Fights Off Militants! (picture, mine.)

This is an awesome story full of real world Teaching - let alone victory. It speaks directly to the power of raw courage mixed with intent, martial spirit and primal instincts-- which often leads the body into action. It came to me, literally, while working on my group email, struggling on how to best capture my call for a NEW Female Dharma and Divinity that joins our higher and lower selves, closing the gap, the dangerous divide that cleaves Beauty From Beast...Voila!

This 18 year old girl fought back-- then pumped one attacker full of lead- against men who were beating her family, in part because she din't want to marry one of them. "I pounced on one of the militants while my brother hit him with an axe..." In terms of tactics and timing she did everything right: She grabbed him BY THE HAIR and banged his head against the wall. When he fell down she hit him with an axe, then snatched his rifle. "I had never touched a rifle before this, let alone fired one - but I had seen heroes firing in films.. "

Kashmir is fraught with danger. I only pray that her family will be properly protected.

  (LINK HERE AGAIN)