I went to a social occasion where a very lively conversation on consent was held recently. In my mind, this does not happen nearly enough in our instant gratification society, where things seem to be assumed as we do not have the time to discuss what works for all parties involved in interactions these days.

To me, evidence of this in the level of divorce, domestic violence and sexual assaults that take place daily around the planet. How different would communication be if we took the time necessary to set respectful boundaries for our social interactions?

How has the world related to gaining consent over the centuries, here are some takes at it:

1. Possibly the most patriarchal argument that bad men use in cases of sexual assault, that the way she dressed caused them to act that way, not their inherent evil.

 

2. This is becoming more widespread day by day, in our country recently our Federal police raided our national broadcaster in the name of national security, how to promote fear in the population 101: You Say,

3. In granting people consent, you take away their inferiority complex.

4. It is a legal contract, everything else within it needs to be based on open communication: Till It Happens To You.

5. Apathy has its price.

6. And it has a name, sexual assault: Don’t Touch My Body.

7. As the title of this blog says, No means No.

8. Unfortunately, this seems to be the direction the world is heading in Roll Jordan Roll.

9. Here is the opposing view when it is personal, not universal.

10. The state does not get to oppress their citizens unless the citizens allow it: Get Up, Stand Up.

11. Unfortunately, men may lie to get into government though.

12. What do you consent to in your life, creeping or soaring: Your Love.

13. Consenting to a cause where you are willing to die, that’s rare these days.

14. It isn’t only humans that require consent, remember how our beloved moggies behave when we move them: Best Kittycat Song.

15. MLK pointing out why consent is so important.

At the end of the discussion we had set what were basic premises for consent in the area we were discussing, it felt great.

The playlist today begins with two pop diva’s, Laura Daigle and Lady Gaga. Then a spoken word piece followed by a choir. Then two great classics from Jackie Wilson and Bob Marley. We close with a number from a cat: It Is What It Is, No Means No.

This is an area society needs to do a lot of work on if we are to live from the world paradigm, Love and Respect For All, Everyone Included. Until next time we meet, dear friends.