I live in a nice area on the outskirts of the city. We just moved here about 10 months ago and I’ve loved everything about it — well almost. Our house is next to a somewhat busy road with a chain link fence around our 2 acres. I am a very energetic person who loves being outdoors and physical activity. We have a trampoline that I use daily. It’s one of my ways to de-stress after a long day. At first people just stared, which I understood since we are new here. Then cars would slow down…which was a bit creepy but I just shrugged it off. Then it escalated to lewd hand-motions, yelling, and stopping their cars to watch all together. I can’t believe this, I am being street harassed in my own backyard.
So I just stopped jumping during the day and just waited til night. (which majorly sucks for me since it’s summer and night is when the Mosquitos come out.) So I switched my exercising to running in the mornings. Thinking no one would bother me at 6 in the morning, well I was wrong. Now I just stay inside most of the time, which is hard because I love the outdoors so much! I just don’t want it to escalate to the point that they come on my property, I mean they already know where I live, which is terrifying. The thing that really gets me is that, I do not live in a bad area, some of the houses around here are 700k-1 mil. Most of these people that shout obscenities at me are yelling from their new BMW’s.
– Marissa
Location: Las Cruces, NM
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jacqueline says
A little disappointed at the incredulity that rich people are doing this, and the implication that it’s not a “bad” area if the people there have money.
Street harassment is prevalent because of the patriarchy, which knows no class boundaries.
Clarice says
This is a very sad but true example of what society has become – You are not safe to be anywhere. I am sorry that you have felt the need to change your routine and stop doing the things you enjoy because of idiot street harassers.
You should not have to change anything to avoid being subjected to this kind of treatment but unfortunately it seems like the only altanative. Have you thought about reporting these louts to the police or your local council? Try writing down or taking a picture of the licence plate on the car’s which slow down or stop outside your property. Also, if you are scared that this may escalate into breaking and entering, get a security camera fixed.
I don’t really know what else to advise you :-/ but if I were you I would put my foot down and NOT allow these loons stop you from doing the activities you enjoy! Plug some earphones in so you don’t have to hear their obsenities and give them the “screw you” sign! 😉
beckie says
this is horrible. Are they in cars? Maybe take license plates down, take phone photos report to police? Do not give up on your right to stay outside!!!