In April, the hypothetical question, Would you rather be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear? flooded the internet. Of the eight women asked this question, seven agreed: They’d choose the bear.
Thousands of users weighing in through comments and videos expressed similar sentiments.
It remained a viral sensation for months, receiving more than 20.3 million views and 2.4 million likes on TikTok. The ‘man or bear’ debate went on to surpass social media, reaching mainstream media outlets, personal essays and pop culture references.
Now, the campaign “What We Carry” is further expanding on the conversations surrounding women’s security.
Let’s talk about why carrying a weapon for self-protection is the norm for most women and gender minorities. That should not be normal.
Kayleigh MacDonald, artist
Presented by Girl Security in collaboration with artist Kayleigh MacDonald, “What We Carry” commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. It features portraits of real women holding the objects they carry every day to ensure their safety, such as pepper spray or their phones. The series acknowledges that women instinctively adopt certain behaviors and practices: holding keys in a fist, never walking alone at night, checking in with female friends to make sure they get home.
“Let’s look at them. Let’s talk about why carrying a weapon for self-protection is the norm for most women and gender minorities. That should not be normal. That should horrify you, and move you to question, to action,” said MacDonald.
Threats to women’s safety are normalized, with 56 percent of women reporting that they first experienced sexual harassment or assault before the age of 18, according to research from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute.
“What We Carry” includes downloadable toolkits with guides for managing digital defense, situational awareness and trauma responses in addition to the photographs. Not only does the campaign bring attention to and question systemic violence, it provides resources so vulnerable individuals can protect their safety.
MacDonald is still photographing for “What We Carry” and seeking participation from women and gender minorities. But all are invited to take advantage of these resources, interact with the campaign through social media and learn from the portraits and stories.
Because no one should have to prepare for the worst-case scenario every time they leave the house—regardless of man, bear or any other reason.
At Ms. magazine, our mission is to deliver facts about the feminist movement (and those who stand in its way) and foster informed discussions—not to tell you who to vote for or what to think. We believe in empowering our readers to form their own opinions based on reliable reporting. To continue providing you with independent feminist journalism, we rely on the generous support of our readers. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today if you value the work we do and want to see it continue. Thank you for supporting women’s voices and rights.
