Chinese school tells girls to not be 'flirtatious' to avoid harassment

A controversial lesson on sexual harassment at a center college in southern China has stirred on-line debate about victim-blaming, with many criticising each the varsity and what they are saying is an insufficient response from officers.

The college, situated in Zhaoqing metropolis in Guangdong province, had held a “mental health education” class – the equal of a intercourse training class in China – final 12 months, in keeping with Chinese state media People’s Daily.

But photographs of the educating materials solely started circulating this month, displaying papers that mentioned victims of sexual harassment “suffer because they dress flamboyantly and behave flirtatiously.” It added: “Girls shouldn’t wear transparent or skimpy clothes and should avoid frivolous behavior”.

The college, situated in Zhaoqing metropolis in Guangdong province (pictured), had held a “mental health education” class – the equal of a intercourse training class in China – final 12 months. (AP)

The photographs prompted anger and disbelief on social media, with many blaming conservative attitudes they mentioned mirrored deep-rooted gender inequality in a patriarchal society.

“The teacher of that class is problematic,” learn one high touch upon the Chinese social platform Weibo, with 19,000 likes. Others identified the hazards of victim-blaming, and the methods ladies are sometimes focused no matter what they put on.

The outrage prompted native training authorities to launch a press release final week, confirming that the photographs on-line confirmed a lecture held on the college final April.

“The lecture contained some inappropriate expressions, which caused misunderstanding among (online users),” the assertion mentioned.

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It added that the county’s training bureau had “criticised and educated relevant personnel,” and had ordered the varsity to evaluation its lectures and enhance trainer coaching.

But for some, the official assertion additionally sparked backlash. Many took challenge with the assertion’s wording of “misunderstanding,” arguing the educating supplies had not been an harmless error however a mirrored image of actual, pervasive beliefs throughout the nation.

“People online didn’t ‘misunderstand,'” one remark learn. “The punishment is too mild.”

The college has not but posted any public statements on its web site or social media. CNN has reached out to the varsity for remark.

Quite a few incidents through the years have provoked related controversies, particularly in mild of China’s #MeToo motion, which has stayed resilient regardless of frequent setbacks resulting from censorship and an ongoing crackdown on feminist activism.

For occasion, final November a younger girl was attacked by a person at a public rest room in Zhejiang, in keeping with state media The Paper. After on-line critics accused the lady of being “skimpily dressed,” her mom advised The Paper: “What does clothing have to do with being beaten? Is that a reason for a crime?”

And in 2021 a controversial advert for make-up elimination wipes – which confirmed a lady being adopted down the road at night time by a would-be attacker, who runs away in horror after she removes her make-up – was pulled from the web after sturdy backlash.

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Source: www.9news.com.au