Eric Paulsen is not the only one who is hurt and unhappy at the gender-insensitive allegation by Manohari Subramaniam of All Women's Action Society (Awam) that men are potential rapists. Are all women activists men-haters? Surely not.

It is conceivable that so-called "potential rapists" might be reluctant to support Awam's campaign arising from the tragic rape and murder of Canny Ong this Sunday. Maria Abdullah of Awam was reported as saying that she is surprised at the lack of support (so far) from NGOs.

Perhaps if Awam would be more gender-sensitive and not resort to male-bashing there would be more empathy for their efforts to raise awareness on violence against women. Women's groups should get out of their posse once in awhile and mingle with the real people including younger males who in this century are more open to equality issues.