I’m 54 years old. I don’t get yelled at any more. And it is a relief. Every time I pass a construction site I get a little lift just from knowing that I won’t be yelled at.
But the problem is worse than ever. And I refuse to just bask in the privilege of no longer being a target.
Last year I was walking behind a young woman as we passed a construction site. She got cat called. I called out to her.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” she walked quickly away, humiliated.
I stopped in front of the men who had yelled at her.
“Hey!” I yelled, over the sound of the jackhammer.
“What?”
“What the hell was that about?”
“What? What’s going on?” They were looking around, confused.
“Why did you yell at that woman?”
They groaned to each other. “Why don’t you move along, lady.”
“I’ll tell you why! I have a daughter her age! What the hell is your problem?”
“Why don’t you mind your own business?”
“It’s my business now! I want to see your manager right now. I’m calling 911 and reporting harassment if you don’t get him out here right NOW.”
They chose to ignore me. I phoned it in. The 911 receptionist was nearly indifferent. But I made sure they saw me call it in. And then I called the construction company and let the receptionist know that I was very unimpressed with the company. I wasn’t able to have a direct conversation with anyone or get taken seriously about it. But I think I gave them a tiny scare.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
People who don’t get harassed need to make a stink about it and let the world know it’s intolerable. Victims themselves cannot always stand up because they are busy saving themselves. The rest of us who DON’T get cat-called are morally obligated to make it stop.
– Robbie
Location: Littleton, Colorado
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See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea
