I was taking the MARTA from my university (other alumni and current students would recognize which one right away) back to my car to drive home, and it was winter. It got dark a little faster, and sometimes male classmates would offer to walk some of us women to the station to avoid harassment. But I got on the train, and sat down and started flipping through some worksheets I had been given for homework. All of a sudden I hear, “Hey girl what’s your name?” and I said, “Sorry, I am busy” because I knew he wanted more than just a pleasant conversation from his gaze.
“I said what’s your name.” No question mark there. I didn’t reply. “Where you from?” “What’s your phone number?” I finally snapped my head up and looked him straight in the eyes and said, “I’m sorry, I said I am busy” in a stern voice.
I was then SCREAMED at, “FUCK YOU FUCK YOU STUPID BITCH” for the next 3 stops until he got off the train. The train was full. Everyone was staring and no one interfered. I wanted to cry, but I was too scared to react. I will never, ever forget that evening.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Post anti-harassment posters in public transportation. I think they might shame some people, maybe encourage others to interfere, but probably not others. Teach men how to approach a woman like an adult and that women are people with feelings too, not objects to scream “fuck you” at when encountering rejection.
– EB
Location: City Train Line
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more ideas
