Some women in China are taking an incredibly badass measure to ward off sexual harassment. “Anti-Pervert” flame-throwers have become a popular deterrent for creeps, particularly in the summer, when unwanted advances ramp up. The devices are on sale at a number of websites starting at about $13 and going over $40. While some have small flames, others can reach up to 3,300 degrees and extend nearly 20 feet.
One vendor told the Beijing Youth Daily, as reported by the Telegraph, that the products “can leave a permanent scar, but are a legal, non-lethal tool,” adding that they’re “not a weapon.” But police seem to disagree, saying that they’re very much against the law and that it’s also “technically illegal” to send the flame-throwers to customers through the postal service.
Despite the legality controversy, the products are still online, and websites are making some great pitches for their products. “Flames and the super high temperatures are enough to scare the bad guys away,” one website said. “At that crucial moment, you could also become an anti-terror SWAT.” Uh, wow.
While it’s hard to be concerned for sexual harassers, there are other safety problems to be considered. Many are considering the possibility of the flame-throwers being switched on accidentally inside the carrier’s handbags, a terrifying thought.
But if you think carrying around a flame-thrower is ridiculous, consider this: how ridiculous is it that men’s behavior has made wielding fire as a weapon a preferable alternative?
