Just so everyone knows, I identify as a feminist, meaning someone who believes in equal rights for women.
Is there an assumption that misogynists are everywhere, given your example of foolish behavior based largely on location and geography? If it's safe to walk around a public neighborhood that isn't a ghetto with your money hanging out, then is there a safe place for women to present themselves provocatively in public?
I'm saying committing certain actions within certain environments and situations (such as among a drunken crowd of dubious characters) elicits typical reactions which, while not excusable, are to be expected. No, degrading attitudes aren't acceptable, and yes we as a society should work to change things, but considering the current state of things, placing faith in the lowest common denominator is folly. Also, these comments, as horrid as they were, weren't made to the women directly. They were made on a site where lecherous misogynists jabber among themselves. A site were people make the choice to visit. There is a big difference between that and actual harassment, stalking, assault, etc. No one is actually being oppressed by their immature, ignorant babble. Their words, as nasty and vile as they are, are only as "harmful" as those who decide to seek out and read their commentary allow them to be. Words, unless in the form of threat or harassment, are not something people need to be "safe" from. While their commentary is indeed very asinine and contemptible, it doesn't actually violate anyone's rights.
As someone who loves freedom, I prefer education over censorship as a means of combating ignorance and bigotry.
Illegally obtaining pictures, however, is a violation of privacy and a legitimate concern.
But regarding the pictures that were submitted by the girls themselves, It's probably safe to assume that they self identify as "festival sluts" and hunger for that sort of attention considering that they're knowingly feeding it.
Also, there is probably a line between genuine misogyny, and what might be immature, tonque-in-cheek sexual comments made in the exact same spirit of what the pictures depict themselves.
