Indeed, there are times when saying "no" can be costly. It often takes courage. Saying "no" to the boss can easily get anyone fired, man or woman. Some scoundrels become dictators of entire nations. Saying "no" to one of them can bear an enormous cost.
In my article, I focused on scoundrels and scammers who rely on deceit and manipulation rather than brute force.
I wrote with a slightly smart-alec tone because I am a natural smart-alec. My wife once told me that my father should have named me Alex. Sometimes, I'll say something to which she'll respond, "OK Alex!" I know exactly what she means.
A scammer will take advantage of anyone who can't say "no." That is life. If someone displays a "freeze reaction," scoundrels will take advantage. That is the world we live in. That is what my article illustrates. That is the intent behind it. Denying it will not change it.
You can say "no" to my article and the intent behind it, but that won't stop scoundrels from taking advantage, sexual or otherwise, of those who allow it.
Appealing to the ethical sensibilities of scoundrels is futile. They have none.
"...courage to say NO"
I have not criticized women for gaining the courage to say "no." Instead, I have illustrated the consequences of being unable to say "no."
The nefarious scoundrel Harvey Weinstein built a structure that he could use to confer or deny fame and fortune to those willing to pay the price he demanded. Fortunately, his dictatorship was limited to a portion of the Hollywood entertainment world rather than an entire nation.
Anyway, negligibly few people even have an opportunity to succeed in Hollywood, Weinstein or no Weinstein (and there is no longer any Weinstein).
Elisa Mariño and I had an extensive conversation about the topic of this article in the comments section. She mentioned one actress who successfully said "no" to Weinstein's advances. The actress lost out on a role or two but went on to achieve fame and fortune despite any obstacles Weinstein tried to place in her way. She had the courage to say "no" before any "MeToo."
If you are interested, the conversation starts here:
