the gender gap

I've been in arguments over whether or not Feminism has a legitimate role today. Reading the news daily, both international and domesticate, I'm struck by the hate speech and the hate crimes that are directed toward women. Even in instances of domesticate violence, what gives someone the mental permission to harm a woman? Do we have a culture that, while appalled in regard toward violence against women, never-the-less sees it as inevitable, understandable? Is there a relationship between the male/female wage disparity and crimes against women? What is it that gives permission to cause harm to women? Mickey Shunick Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry and Ashley Summers Amina and Sarah Said Drew Peterson Honor Killings in U.S. Cold Cases -- note the number of women on this list. afterthought: Huffington Post College women and Pay