The New York Times published:

But things quickly escalated into an ugly and ultimately violent confrontation...

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Man Is Stabbed in Attack After Admiring a Stranger Responded to by Amanda Atwood

Dear Editor
 
I read the 19 August 2006 article 'Man Is Stabbed in Attack After Admiring a Stranger' in your newspaper with dismay.  The alleged behavior of the seven women described in the article is shocking.  But equally appalling is the way in which the encounter was reported.  Your journalists missed a powerful opportunity to explore the deeper societal issues that might provoke women to act in this way.
 
As a woman, I experience looks and comments like those Mr. Buckle described giving, everyday, from male strangers.  From discussion with female friends and colleagues, I know many of them do as well.  There are days when these comments so exhaust and enrage me, I imagine insulting, spitting on and even physically assaulting the men who say them.

I do not condone the violence described in the article.  But I can empathize with what might have driven the seven women to respond in the way they allegedly did.
 
A follow up article that features the diverse opinions of women who hear the sort of ìadmiringî comments referred to in the article might go a long way in helping men like Mr. Buckle not only understand ìwhich girls not to talk to,î but also how not to speak with or view women in general.

Thank you,

Amanda Atwood.