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Ask Matt: Offensive Behavior or Normal Reaction?

Started by Natasha, September 14, 2011, 05:18:41 PM

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Natasha

September 14, 2011, 05:18:41 PM
Ask Matt: Offensive Behavior or Normal Reaction?

http://tranifesto.com/2011/09/08/ask-matt-offensive-behavior-or-normal-reaction/
9/8/11
by Matt Kailey

A reader writes: "I was a participant at the 100th Bay-to-Breakers race, where, among many other naked people, I saw a person with distinctly feminine breasts and a distinctly masculine penis.

"I must admit, in a brief, surprised stupor, that I looked for slightly longer than I would normally look at a naked man, yet shorter than I would at a naked woman.

"This person noticed my discomfort and proceeded to dance, when I simply turned away without further comment. I am a straight male with no axes to grind, but the encounter continues to make me uncomfortable. I realize it was a somewhat 'Carnivale' atmosphere, so I didn't judge.

"My questions are: Did I likely offend someone who was simply making a sexual overture, and what should I have done more tactfully? I've been approached by both gay men and hetero women without any qualms or lasting discomfort, but this was a first and my brain just didn't know how to process it."
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