I grew up in Morocco, and street harassment has been part of my daily life since I was about ten. I have always felt a lot of resent, frustration, and fear but never thought I could do something about it.My mother suffered from it as well, and one of the most absurd episodes I recall is that time when my brothers and I were children, playing at the beach, and a perfect stranger sent his sister to propose to my mother, adding that he didn’t mind she already had children!
They know no limits…
Five years ago, I moved to Lyon, France, with my boyfriend. I am not a child anymore, I am now a woman, and every single day, I get comments, whispers, strange sounds, dirty looks and I do not deserve them. I am never flattered, it never makes me smile. I usually feel beautiful and confident when I leave my house, but a few minutes outside are sufficient to destroy my mood.
Today I rebelled against two men, just a few minutes apart, and I felt so relieved, I thought it had to be shared. Men are stronger then us, but we have a sharp tongue. You know all these times you’ve had the right reply on the tip of your tongue, hesitated a few seconds and decided it was too late to shove their disgusting comments back down their throats ? Never let it happen again.
An angry look, a loud ” no!” or just a hiss, every reaction helps. They will never understand if we don’t express ourselves.
I am so tired of feeling like a monkey behind bars, or a piece of meat at the butchers…. From now on, I will say NO to these comments, whenever possible (safety first !)
– LH
Location: Rue Paul Bert, 69003 Lyon, FRANCE
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