06/13/2023
Today we are discussing consent. Context in comments.
Here are the rules.
Rule 1: No means no. Period
Rule 2: No does not have to include the word no or be firmly expressed to represent a firm boundary.
Rule 3: The onus is on the person requesting to pass a boundary. The burden is on the person crossing the boundary not expressing it.
Rule 4: No should be interpreted in the broadest possible way and as absolute. Clarify after backing off.
Rule 5: No is a complete sentence and requires no justification.
Rule 6: Justifications are not arguable. They do not compromise a no, ever. Argue the semantics some other time, the no is the only thing that matters.
Rule 7: Consent is denied by default. Neither marriage nor anything else short of negotiated prior consent can change that.
Rule 8: Enthusiastic consent is best practice for everyone's comfort and safety. Anything less than an explicit, enthusiastic affirmative is a no.
That's all.
No, it isn't. If you see someone violating one of these rules, call it out. Especially, males need to call out males. F**k a bro code.
