[CIMSIGHT #4] From Memes to Movements: How “I Choose the Bear” Sheds Light on Gender Violence

Lately, a provocative discourse has emerged on social media platforms, encapsulated by the phrase “I choose the bear.” This statement, often accompanied by memes and hashtags, has sparked ardent debates and, notably, angered many men. At its core, this discourse highlights the stark realities of gender violence and societal victim-blaming, drawing a poignant comparison between the predictable behavior of wild animals and the often unpredictable and dangerous actions of men in which women can indeed be viewed as potential victims of sexual violence, torture, or murder.

What’s Behind “I Choose the Bear” Slogan

The phrase “I choose the bear” stems from a hypothetical scenario where women got asked if they would rather come across a wild bear or a strange man in the woods, and many would take their chances with the bear. The underlying message is that, while a bear might attack due to natural impulses: territorial defense, protecting its young, or protecting its food, it would not sexually assault the woman.

In contrast, a man might pose a threat with motivations that come from dangerous cultural norms—motivations such as proving that he is dominant, acting on ingrained misogyny, or sexual violence, a fear that is all too real for many women. This comparison underscores the prevalent fear of sexual assault that women face and the societal tendency to blame victims rather than perpetrators.

Women as Vulnerable Target: Sexual Assaults vs Bear Attacks

For women, the bear is a known and comprehensible danger. The majority of bear attacks are usually for defense purposes when they are threatened by the victim or if they see a human as a danger to their cubs or territory. The attack is not personal; it is more an intrusion into the bear’s space.

According to the International Association for Bear Research and Management, there are approximately 40 bear attacks on humans worldwide each year, out of which less than ten cases are fatal cases of bear attack. These incidents normally draw mass media attention with headline tags of tragic abnormalities.

On the other hand, the threat from men, especially when in isolation or vulnerabilities, is highly unpredictable and horrifying for most women. Men who commit sexual assault usually driven by factors including power, control, and societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. Aforementioned reasons that society itself has found it challenging to justify, often blaming the women themselves for their kind of dressing, behavior, or even their presence at the scene.

In contrast, the World Health Organization reports that around 35% of women globally have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. In the United States alone, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) estimates that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Meanwhile, there are more than 430,000 incidences of rape and sexual assault every year, states the U.S. Department of Justice.

This analogy represents the larger fear women share in general. The comparison was clear: a bear attacking is a tragedy; men attacking women makes society all too often look at her actions and the choices she makes, trying to, in some way, find fault with the woman rather than the attacker. In the illustration of how many women live with constant fear of sexual violence, this saying then becomes “I choose the bear” as a strong statement against such injustice.

The Double Standard in Victim-Blaming

One of the most striking aspects of this discourse is the comparison of societal reactions to attacks by animals versus attacks by men. If a woman were to be attacked by a bear, society would likely view her as an unfortunate victim of tragic incident. There would be no questions about her behavior, clothing, or choices leading up to the attack. The bear may be hunted down and put to death and the incident may bring calls to promote safety in areas where there are bears. What is not done is to blame the victim.

Conversely, when a woman is sexually assaulted by a man, she often faces scrutiny and blame. Excuses, for instance, “she was dressed provocatively” or “he couldn’t control his hormones” are not only invalid but also continue harmful stereotypes and victim-blaming. Moreover, questions like “What was she wearing?” or “Why was she out late?” are commonly asked. Said victim-blaming, when there is already societal leniency toward such acts, goes a great distance in explaining why women feel so strongly in their popular slogan: “I choose the bear.” It brings a sense of frustration and anger that it is always coming from a society that still continues to fail in protecting them from the same violence, with the worst part being always blaming them.

The Backlash and Anger from Men

The discourse has not been without its critics. Many men have expressed distress, feeling unfairly targeted by the comparison. Some argue that the phrase paints all men as potential predators, which they see as an unjust generalization. However, proponents of the discourse argue that the anger should be directed not at the comparison itself but at the underlying issues it seeks to address: the widespread fear of sexual violence and the societal tendency to blame victims.

Ironically, when the question is reversed to “If your wife, sister, or daughter were in the woods, would you prefer them to encounter a bear or a strange man?” most men would answer a bear as well. This response underscores the inherent understanding of the threat posed by men and the relative safety perceived in an encounter with a wild animal over a human stranger.

Addressing the Root Causes

The root causes of gender-based violence and victim-blaming includes challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and educating individuals about consent and respectful behavior. Additionally, supporting survivors of sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial steps in creating a safer and more just society.

The “I choose the bear” discourse serves as a powerful reminder of the realities faced by women and the need for societal change. By drawing a stark comparison between the predictable behavior of wild animals and the unpredictable threat posed by men, it highlights the pervasive fear of sexual violence and the injustice of victim-blaming. As this discourse continues to gain traction on social media, it is essential to focus on the underlying issues and work towards a future where all individuals can feel safe and respected.

Writer: Prima Hagai Marbun – SCORP CIMSA USU Member