No means no, but what about before?

03/08/2009. By Katxi

Let me tell you a couple of quick stories; It is a busy Café Iruña and the music is playing, people dancing and party in full flow. A young man decides to take a photograph up a girl's skirt with his camera phone. Fortunately he fails, and receives a punch in the face.

In a different part of Pamplona a young man decides he will grope a girl's ass. She is disgusted and an argument breaks out. The man, and his girlfriend, do not understand what the fuss is all about. Incredible.

No means no, and it is a simple message. There are actions and behaviours, especially towards women, that are simply unacceptable. However, what do you do when the aggressor isn't asking a question? What do you do when the victim has not even had an opportunity to say no?

Some ignorant people don't understand the concept and for this Pamplona cannot and must not be silent. In fiesta this difficult subject must be taken head-on. No may mean no, but it should never et that far in the first place. Wake up Pamplona - act!