On my way home I walked past two guys who were looking at me up and down. I said “excuse me” to get past them, but it was almost as if they were trying to get in my way. I passed between them and one of them said “mmm, mmm a walking rose.” Ok- stupid, but nothing to get angry about. Then one yelled “sexy” at me.
So, going by this rule of “if I wouldn’t want my Dad to hear me being called this, then I’m not putting up with a stranger calling me this, especially on a public street,” I yelled over my shoulder “SHUT THE FUCK UP.”
They were really taken aback. Then they grumbled what sounded like some derisive comments.
Then I did a stupid thing: I walked through the front door of my apartment building, pretty much showing them where I live. And Minneapolis is a small city. The thought struck me to keep walking past my building. I should have listened to it, but I just wanted to get away from them. So now I have to be extra careful on the street.
But it felt good. Some other guys down the sidewalk looked at me, maybe thinking I’m a crazy biatch. But I wasn’t embarrassed at all. Why should I be? These idiots are the ones saying inappropriate things.
I know that strangers shouting things like “sexy” at women on the street has become commonplace, but that’s only because a lot of women don’t fight back. I wish they would, but I don’t blame them- it can compromise their safety. (But then, putting up with sexism doesn’t make you much safer in my opinion, and if no one does anything about it then we all have to suffer it.)
So, it’s kind of slipped into becoming acceptable. And that’s f-ed up. It’s NOT OK. It’s intrusive, (Hey, dumbasses: my sexuality is not up for you to discuss, anytime, anywhere, mmmmk? Hope we can get that one clear for you now) not to mention stupid and annoying, and I’m fighting back. It’s worth the hassle to me, and I’ll be danged if I’m going to be intimidated by ignoramuses.
But I learned that I need to also protect myself by using my head. I will somehow have to compromise my anger and my need for common sense.
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