I’ve been dealing with street harassment by both men and teenage boys all of my life; more times than I can count. I’ve also noticed women being groped and verbally abused in public which makes me feel powerless to do anything about it. I’ve been verbally abused in public places of all kinds. I’ve been called “bitch”, “ho”(i.e.whore) countless times and, have endured men and teenage boys making sexual remarks about my body throughout my life.
One thing that I’ve noticed with them is that they ALWAYS seem to travel in packs when they harass me and other women. If they’re alone, they don’t bother me or, other women. It’s as though they’re trying to impress their “boys” when they’re verbally abusing me and other women in public. I usually just ignore it.
However, I also remember being whistled at once by some guy when I was about 22 yrs. old. That time, I fought back and, I can’t recall what exactly I said but, I told him something to the effect of I didn’t like what he did and he needed to stop. I think I remember he apologized. I remember feeling very empowered when I fought back!
I also am verbal abused by men when I drive. I’m called a “bitch” alot. I guess they feel big knowing that they tried to hurt my self-esteem when they can just call me a derogatory term and, speed away which is what they do after they’ve cursed me. All of the verbal abuse and harassment that I’ve endured over the yrs. as contributed to the hatred that I have for men/boys (especially Black men/boys since I’m a Black women who’s lived in Black communities all of my life and, Black males are usually the culprits of verbal abuse that I’ve endured). I usually don’t get harassed by any other race of males other than Black males.
– Amanda
Location: Countless places
