I am the kind of person that just ignore “compliments.” I don’t feel shame or angry when I receive them, I just forgot as I pass away because they don’t deserve any of my feelings.
But this time that man went too far.
It was morning and I was going to my office. An old man (about 60-70 idk) in his car yelled at me “Hey baby!”
As always, I pretend not to hear. He continued: “Hey, need a ride? Come here I’ll PAY you! How much is it?”
And that was the moment. That was an insult. I HAD to fight back.
I turn back, big smile on my face, and said with loud voice, “Hey you! How old are you? 80? [I know he wasn’t that old]” and I continued, “Your life is very near to the [natural] end*, so why don’t you think about your health instead of bothering young ladies?”
I saw his face turn red to purple. I walked away, smiling.
Was I rude pointing at his oldness? Yes, indeed. And I’m proud of it. You know why?
Because he “ASKED FOR IT.”
*There is a proverb in my dialect for saying this but I do not know how to translate it
Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?
I think education is the key, especially for young boy. Then I would educate young girl too, not to be ashamed of what they are. There is no way a girl “ask for it.” But most important of all, media should stop to objectified woman. I think this constant advertising on the virility of men who come out only by subduing women, has affected both men and women in their stereotypes.
– EZ
Location: Italy
