I live in Washington Heights on 184th and Audubon. Not a day goes by that I am not harassed on the street and it’s usually more than once. Usually it’s inappropriate sexual comments and remarks about my looks. These men listen to my conversation while I am on the phone and think it’s okay to interrupt. Then they continue to get angry when I don’t stop everything I am doing and respond. It really amazes me that these men find any excuse to harass a young woman and they think it’s acceptable behavior.
Not only am I uncomfortable, but I am ashamed to walk around and I can not say anything back to them because I fear for my safety. I don’t have a voice and it’s scary.
I’m also called “white girl” in Spanish as I walk down the street. My room-mate and I were leaving the subway station and a man bumped into her in the rain. Instead of apologizing and moving on he screamed “move it you dumb blonde bimbo.” What happened to manners? Treating a woman with respect?
Treating EVERYONE with respect no matter what color or gender.
Washington Heights is living in a bubble separate from the rest of the integrated word and they need a huge wake up call. It’s 2014 NEW YORK CITY.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
More police outside on the streets. Make pepper spray more easily accessible to women. I would love if “Stop telling women to smile” would come uptown and do some artwork on Audubon. We need to spread the message.
– Anonymous
Location: New York City, NY
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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more ideas
