The other night I went to visit my sister at her college, and the next night they were having a night out at a nearby rollerskating rink. I went with her and was desperately trying to teach her how to skate so I pulled her off to the side while we laughed at her clumsiness.
As I stood with my sister, an obnoxious guy skated by quickly and turned to face my sister and me as he called, “Hey there baby!” And laughed with his friend as they skated away. My first reaction was to think, “It’s a compliment, just take it as a compliment.” But the thing is, it’s NOT a compliment. Viewing me for my sexuality alone is not flattering! And more importantly, I do NOT have to accept it! I am entitled to my body, and no one else. I am fifteen years old, and that guy was probably at LEAST twenty!
Calling me things like “hot” or “sexy” or “baby or “princess” does not make me anymore interested in you. I hate the words hot and sexy, I absolutely LOATHE them. It is incredibly objectifying to call anyone a name based off of their sexuality alone and how they appeal to you in that way.
The only people who can call me ANYTHING are people who I CARE about, people who I know and think twice about. Not sick, perverted, raving rape culture enthusiasts on the street or otherwise. I wouldn’t even give that guy the time of day.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
The first thing we need to do is band together, we need to vow to stand with our sister/brother in the scenario that they are being harassed. The second thing we need to do is educate young boys and men about how to view and treat a woman, because I believe that is a fundamental issue in our society today.
– Brianna
Location: Greenville SC, at a rollerskating rink
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea
