What is a “mervert?”
In the enchanting realm of Mermaiding, there's a topic that's surfaced, swimming its way into conversations - the notorious "merverts” - a clever term, blending "mermaid" and "pervert.” Let’s discuss how to recognize merverts, and what can be done to reduce our chances of interacting with them.
Recognizing Red Flags with a Splash of Humor:
Unwanted Advances: Picture this—merverts attempting to woo mermaids or mermen with cheesy pickup lines from the deep sea dating manual. No one wants to be serenaded with the unoriginal "Are those C-shells or D-shells?" and “how do mermaids have babies?”
Voyeuristic Behavior: Ahoy, Captain Obvious! Merverts lurking in seaweed bushes, sporting over-sized sunglasses as they try to inconspicuously capture the perfect mermaid selfie… or perfectly remaining in your line of sight at all times, refusing to go away… Mermaid glamour shots require consent, not undercover submarine operations and uncomfortable staring.
Lack of Boundaries: It's time for a bubble barrier! Merverts forgetting (on purpose!) that personal space is a precious treasure. Say “shell no” to being touched without permission, and don’t be afraid to shout and stand up for yourself if a mervert won’t leave you alone. Call your mer-wrangler over for extra help if needed!
Exploitative Intentions: Beware of the treasure hunters! Some merverts may attempt to exploit the mermaiding community for personal gain. Mermaids are here for the joy, magic, and friendship, not for dubious undersea schemes. Protect your brand, stay in character, and never give out private information.
Promoting Safety Measures Against Merverts:
Encourage Reporting: Mermaid detectives assemble! Encourage fellow mermaids and mermen to report any mervert encounters to the "Mer-Police" (event organizers, community leaders, or authorities) for appropriate action. Together, we can keep our mer-kingdom safe and sound.
Screening and Vetting: Event organizers and club leaders, let's implement thorough screenings to keep merverts at bay. Background checks, interviews, and references can help us filter out the sneaky sea creatures. Ask your fellow mermaids for references before working with someone new.
Safety in Numbers: Mermaid squad, unite! Encourage mermaids and mermen to form pods, or establish a buddy system during events. Safety and fun go hand in fin, and having a squad by your side ensures that you're always part of a vibrant, protective school. Bring a mer-wrangler on two legs with you to your events, so they can quickly come to your rescue if you need them.
By recognizing red flags, promoting safety measures, and infusing our journey with humor, we can create an environment where mermaids and mermen thrive. So, let's swim together, laugh together, and continue making waves in the wonderful realm of mermaiding. Stay safe and keep sparkling!
