It was July 2012 in the afternoon, and I had just stepped off the E line train. As I started to cross the street I saw this group of 4-5 guys standing around talking, clearly blocking the sidewalk, probably in their early twenties. I quickly put my headphones back in; no music playing. Due to the construction in that area, I could only use that sidewalk where they were. As I walk past them quickly making zero eye contact, all I hear is, “Hey baby…come here, talk to me beautiful.”
Within seconds that followed by a loud shout, “Hey!” as one of them proceeded to follow me for a few steps. While other guys began laughing at the guy walking towards me because, “She’s ignoring you.” Then, immediately I heard him yell, “This bitch! Walk away, bitch!”…which infuriated me so much!
There were other people around, so I know others heard that loud and clear. At that moment I felt as though the best thing was to just keep ignoring him. He had already repeatedly called me a bitch, so I picked up the pace to get out of there quickly. I was afraid of what he might do if I was to stop and say something back, considering he had no problem calling me (a woman he doesn’t know) a bitch in public.
I was so disgusted that it literally ruined my mood that day. I had been looking forward to visiting a patient recovering at BWH and when that happened, it was all I could think about. I kept running through it again in mind, as to maybe what I should have done differently. The enraged part of me wished I could have yelled back to him, but then again I can’t imagine intentionally disrespecting someone in that way. Someone who knows nothing about me. Absolutely horrible. I’ve heard catcalling before, and frequently…but this time was different. I was really frightened by the frustration/anger in his voice.
– Anonymous
Location: Green Line: E train at the Brigham Circle Train stop in Boston, MA
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