A recent article by John Brownlee at Cult of Mac explores a similarly creepy app called Girls Around Me. At the time of this post, the app had been pulled from the iOS app store, but it doesn’t mean it or something like it won’t come back. The app highlights security and privacy concerns inherent in some of the ways that personal information is disclosed through apps and social networking.

On the surface, the app is sleazy and creepy looking. It is designed with silhouettes of naked women on a radar screen, as if they are targets. It evens advertises that you should consider this public information an invitation to approach these women for sex or worse. “In the mood for love, or just after a one-night stand? Girls Around Me puts you in control.” The app plots public information from profiles on Facebook and Foursquare on a map so that you can see who has checked in near your current location. It also allows you to browse the profiles, check pictures, and message the individual. The design of the app and the stated purpose, again, is creepy unless you are the person “in control.”

However, Brownlee correctly highlights the fact that the app is accessing data that is considered public, whether or not the user understands the privacy settings or how the information is being used.  The best part about the app is it is another example of why we should educate people about how their data is used so that they can make purposeful decisions about what they share. If anything, this is a creepy enough example to get people to pay attention. 

At the end of every technology and stalking workshop, there is a line of people who want assistance in putting a numeric or visual password on their mobile device(s). Hopefully, we can use examples like this to educate people about how their information is distributed and accessed, as well as ways in which they can take steps to remain safe.

You don’t need fancy recording equipment or studio space to have authentic discussions about masculinity. You can use a camera on almost any mobile device (e.g. cell phone camera, laptop webcam, tablet, etc.) and record men discussing masculinity.

The CLA students were incredible in supporting, advertising, recruiting, and editing material for the project. There will be a public viewing of the project on Tuesday, April 10 in Room A of the Iowa City Public Library starting at 6 p.m. There will be a panel discussion afterwards about masculinity in our community. The event is free and open to the public. Click on the image below for a larger version of the flyer. 

You can see our first Mobile Masculinities video clip with Jackson Katz here!

Soraya Chemaly’s piece, International Women’s Day: 10 Reasons Why Feminism is Good For Boys and Men, provided me with some inspiration. Besides highlighting some important positive aspects of feminism on men and boys, there was a video produced by high school boys in Australia through the Gender Equality Project. Watch the video below and take a cue from these boys. Listen to the women and girls in your life about their experiences, educate yourself about the issues, and speak out to others as a supportive and active ally.

Maybe it’s just me, but if you admit to a local newspaper that you harassed and stalked someone, you probably should receive a stiffer punishment than resigning. Last week, Florida Democratic Rep. Richard Steinberg admitted to harassing/stalking a female federal prosecutor through dozens of text messages. Why did he have the luxury of choosing to resign? Why was that even an option? If an elected official admits to stalking someone, they should be fired and charged with a crime. I wish all stalking and harassment victims had the Secret Service at their disposal to identify their harassers.

The best part? Last week, Steinberg cast a vote to expand the definition of ‘aggravated stalking’ to include threats (and implied threats) made via electronic messages (e.g., texts, emails) and classify that action as a third-degree felony with a five-year maximum prison sentence. However, I doubt that Steinberg will ever see the inside of a prison cell.

NewBlackMan: Byron Hurt: Are You Man Enough to Challenge Too Short?.

• Georgia is proposing to change a spousal privileges law that requires a married victim to obtain the permission of their abuser before they can testify against them. I’m not sure who ever thought that was a good idea.
• Claire Waxman was stalked for over nine years by Elliot Fogel. He called her hundreds of times, broke into her car, and violated numerous restraining orders. She moved five times during the ordeal. He was just sentenced to 2 years in jail.
•  San Francisco sheriff Ross Mirkarimi stated that domestic violence “is a private matter, a family matter” when asked whether or not he abused his wife. Even if he didn’t, no one benefits from silence about intimate partner violence except the perpetrators. Domestic violence advocates erected the billboard above to address his claims.
• No Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
  

You can check out more of Guante’s work at his website and his YouTube Channel.

There are several wonderful resources and initiatives that exist to raise awareness about and prevent teen dating violence. Below are three great places to start!

• Check out Teen Dating Violence Month for more information about the month as well as facts and resources about teens and dating violence.
• Check out Love is Respect for definitions and examples of healthy relationships and a 24/7 live chat and dating abuse hotline to get assistance and support regarding dating abuse.
• Check out That’s Not Cool for some great videos and resources for how teens can talk about and address inappropriate and harmful dating behavior.