I was leaving a screening of “Out in the Night,” which is amazing and everyone should see it. We were even lucky to have the women on a panel for a Q&A. I was so moved.
As I was leaving and waiting on the corner for my ride a car full of boys pulled up and called me ʺbeautifulʺ etc etc (everyone on SSH can imagine what they said). For context, I am a teacher at this university and they could have easily been my students. I let them know I wasn’t interested and told them to go on their way. They did, briefly, then they stopped their car and went in reverse to return and harass me. Have you ever felt the panic of a car full of men reversing towards you? It wasn’t the first time for me but that doesn’t mean it isn’t terrifying.
This time I played along by asking if they were students. They said they were so I said ʺOk great. I’m a teacher here and I’ll be sure to remember your face. I’m sure I’ll grade your paper someday.ʺ They weren’t impressed. Called me an ugly cunt, bitch, etc. Drove away.
They circled back a third time and I hid. I hid because they were escalating and I didn’t know what they were going to do. I had just been inspired by “Out in the Night.” Maybe I would have hurt them.
I kinda wish I did.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Defend self defense. Street harassment is a promise of physical violence (sometimes literally, sometimes implied). We need a protected right to defend ourselves physically.
– Whitney
Location: Campus
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea
