The bus was late, as usual, so I was waiting at the street corner when a pick-up truck pulled up and I heard at least one of the three men inside whistle at me. I looked at them, and the whistling turned to kissing sounds. I turned my attention to my phone, but turned the volume down in my headphones so I could keep tabs on them. For a fleeting moment, I considered the fact that there wouldn’t be much stopping them from grabbing me, if they wanted to. I realized that would be highly unlikely, but the thought occurred to me all the same.
They were stuck at a red light, and I was waiting for my bus, so there was nowhere for me to go without risking missing my ride. I just stood there trying to ignore them. Finally, the light turned green and they drove off.
They’ve probably forgotten all about it already, but I haven’t. I feel angry and annoyed. They were so nonchalant about it, but I will spend the rest of my day thinking about what thoughts might have been running through their heads, how many other women they’ll objectify, and whether or not I’ll experience street harassment again today.
Oh, and not that it matters, but I was wearing jeans, a loose-fitting orange t-shirt with a high neck-line, and a grey hoodie. I daydreamed about slapping his puckered lips straight off his face, like a twisted Donald Duck cartoon.
Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?
People need to learn that it’s not okay. That seems to be the biggest issue. Men feel entitled to say something or whistle, and they expect us to allow it or even be appreciative. It’s not a compliment. It’s harassment and it’s got to stop. We need to teach our sons better.
– Anonymous
Location: Sherman Ave. & Columbia Rd., NW, Washington, D.C.
