Walking from my car, I feel two men staring at me while whispering something under their breath. Irritated, look up and lock eyes with them for half a second each.
Once they’ve past me, one of the men yells, “Stop looking so angry!”
I turn around, strongly locking eyes with each of them sternly asking, “Why can’t I be angry?!”
He returns, “I don’t know, but stop looking all mad!”
At this point, I’m shaking, wishing I had hulk strength to stomp the shit out of these men. I angrily walk towards the store.
I turn around, speed-walking with my fists tight, and yell, “YOU DON’T KNOW?! I know that If you actually gave a SHIT about my emotions and feelings you would be respectful and let me have my uninterrupted peace! I can feel whatever the f*** I want!”
If I were a man, I guarantee I wouldn’t have been yelled at for looking upset. Society advertises women as sexy, happy, giggly, and having emotions looking similar to Lisa Frank’s art.
Both men AND women should feel comfortable and safe to feel whatever it is they are feeling.
– TM
Location: Long Beach, CA
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea