If you were alone in the woods and had to choose between encountering a man or a bear, which would you choose? As this question went viral online, many people were shocked by the answer that a large number of women gave. They said,
Many people dismissed this answer as irrational or dramatic, but there is a much deeper meaning behind this answer. One that is rooted in how safety is experienced and addressed in society. One that changes how women have to completely tailor their lives around safety. And finally, one that reflects systemic failures in the very institutions designed to protect individuals.
The “man vs. bear” debate highlights how perceptions of safety are shaped by the flaws in our public policy and civic systems. I will specifically be touching on the underreporting of sexual assault and the lack of consistent accountability for perpetrators.
This reality is shown in this viral video below, which shows how common sexual assault is.
One of the biggest gaps in public policy is the issue of underreporting. Only 1 in 3 sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement. The lack of reporting stems from survivors not feeling they have a safe or supportive place to come forward. Many survivors have fears that they won’t be believed, they will be judged, and some simply just don’t know who to tell. Many women pick the bear because they aren’t just scared of the harm they may face from a man, but also the idea that this harm will go unaddressed.
And even when sexual assault is reported, justice and accountability remain inconsistent. For every 1,000 sexual assaults, only 50 reports lead to arrests, only 28 cases lead to felony convictions, and only 25 are sentenced to incarceration. This shows a major failure in public policy and enforcement. We have laws in the United States to stop sexual assault, but many times they don’t lead to justice.
Some may still argue that the bear is still more dangerous than a man, because sexual violence “isn’t that common.” Isn’t that common? It isn’t? How come every 1 in 5 women in the United States has experienced attempted or completed rape? And how come over 80% of women report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime?
Addressing these issues requires so much more than awareness. It requires action. It requires active civic engagement. It requires policy reform. It requires prevention programs and educational efforts around consent. It requires improving reporting systems and increasing trust in legal institutions. These requirements are essential stepping stones towards ensuring accountability.
The “man vs. bear” debate is more than just a viral trend; it’s a reflection of systemic failures. Despite an overwhelming amount of evidence and widespread impact, there is still a lack of urgency in addressing these issues.
If so many people are affected, and so few cases lead to justice. Then the problem is not the response, it’s the system that runs our country.
And we simply are not angry enough about it.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual violence, there are many services available to help, including the Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, you can find a local resources page on OVW’s website, which lists state sexual assault coalitions that can direct you to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved. OVC also has a featured resources website for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I want all survivors to know: you are not alone.
