“Today I was followed into the downtown branch of the library by a 20-something excuse for a human being slinging hateful, sexist language at me. He started a few blocks away and got louder and louder until I entered the library and a male library employee physically blocked him by starting a conversation with me. He said: “”Ho. Ho. Ho. Hohoho and I don’t mean Santa Claus. I said HOHOHO AND I DON’T MEAN SANTA CLAUS. Hey bitch, you a fine bitch. Ho. Ho. Ho! How much a hit? 500? You stuck up bitch. You an ugly ass bitch anyway. You can’t get none, see what I do? Make you feel insecure about yourself. Ho.”” On and on.
I ignored him, since he obviously was looking for attention. In retrospect I wish I had had pepper spray on me. I feel so discouraged that the people perpetuating the problem are the ones least likely to listen to me if I do engage. What could I have said that would have made him understand how angry, intimidated and disappointed his actions made me feel? He probably would have enjoyed knowing he had that effect on me. It feels hopeless.
– Anonymous
Location: Seattle/wa/USA central library 4th and Madison
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea
