Jasmine Song, special to wtop.com
WASHINGTON — Elliot Rodger’s shooting rampage in California on Friday night sparked an impassioned conversation on Twitter against misogyny and sexual harassment under the hashtag #YesAllWomen.
Rodger’s killing spree, which he deemed “retribution” for being rejected by women, left seven dead, including himself.
In a detailed manifesto, along with a series of unfiltered YouTube videos, Rodger promised his revenge against the women who denied him affection and the “obnoxious brutes” who thwarted his attempts to attain it.
Since news of the killings broke, women took to social media to share their experiences of sexual assault, fear, and harassment.
Here are some of their tweets:
because my clothing cannot talk. Its not and never will be an excuse for rape, because neither I or it asked for it.
— Gabby Stoa (@SoulStealinStoa)
Because the group of men who grabbed my breasts as I went down the subway stairs laughed at me when I cried out.
— Kara G. (@karapgoldman)
Because women admitting they're scared to walk alone somewhere is a reason to make fun of them.
— Rebecca Rose (@AmericasBaby1)
Because many think it's more important to teach their daughters safety than it is to teach their sons respect.
— corie (@Corine_Francis)
because killing girls that say no to you is socially acceptable because 'boys will be boys' and girls have no right to say no
— Lauren (@DublinDirtbaq)
because people still ask me if I'm on my period when I express my opinion on a subject.
— jennnna (@jenna_westra)
Because we are taught to wear clothing that doesn't provoke men, instead of teaching men that women aren't objects
— emma (@emmaa_pins)
A guy's underwear can hang out of his pants at school, but a girls bra strap can't show?
— Cup Of Joe (@JosephClarkM114)
because men's response to sexism is to joke about not letting daughters out of the house instead of teaching their sons better
— Dan (@queerly_it_is)
We lie about having boyfriends because men respect another man's claim on us above our own.
— Emily Dawn (@emilydawnlove)
the trending hashtag began May 24 in a Twitter conversation involving Annie Cardi, @anniecardi, and Twitter user @gildedspine, who has since protected her identity on the site.
“What men have to really understand is what we are doing is connecting the dots