Sometime last summer, I found myself in the middle of Times Square with 4 people (3 women, 1 man), waiting to begin work for my internship. A man came up to us, in the middle of Times Square, and began asking me where I’m from. I knew this routine and told him New York—blatantly showing my disinterest (if you know me, you know I can have the ILL stank face.)
He pursued, as I knew he would, asking where I was really from. I said New York. He continued. I gave in-Ethiopia. The other 4 were watching and listening (and smiling) as this man continued. “What is your name?”
“I’m working,” I told him.
“What is your name?”
I probably either told him Assefash or Sara, but I don’t remember. He said, “Give me your number.”
I said, “I’m not interested.”
“Give me your number,” he began to move closer. One woman laughed and said, “Haha, I don’t think she’s interested, sir.”
He didn’t even pause to look at her, “Oh, she’s interested. Write your name and number on a $100 bill and give it to me.”
“Seriously, I’m working and I’m not interested.”
“No—write your name and number on a $100 bill and give it to me.”
“Leave me alone-I don’t want to have this conversation!”
He finally waved his hand and continued on his way—through the middle of Times Square. The 4 people laughed it off and we continued to work.
I’m sharing this story because this week is International Anti-Street Harassment Week and I’m asking you all to take a moment to engage with the movement in one way or another. I’m still trying to figure out how I can really do something, myself. Street Harassment is a real thing, despite people’s tendency to brush it off as, “Oh, they’re just flirting,” or “Oh, it happens all the time-don’t be so sensitive.” Whether or not the intention to threaten is there, street harassment does just that. Let’s continue the fight for equitable and safe streets.
– ATM
Location: Times Square, NYC
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