When I turned 16 I was very excited to go out and get a job of my own. I went to the downtown area of my city, going from place to place asking for job applications. I was waiting for the light in the crosswalk to change, and a car pulls up at the red light next to me. The guys in the car rolled down their windows and shouted at me, “Hey baby, how’s it hanging!” and they continued to whistle and jeer at me until their light changed. I ignored them, but I knew from how hot my face felt that it was turning a beet red. In a little city that is typically so liberal and very accepting, I didn’t expect it. It baffles me that guys maybe 4 or 5 years, or maybe even more, would shout like that at a teenage girl. Or any woman for that matter. I think back on it now and again and I wonder what possessed them to do that. I just hope my sisters and friends haven’t or won’t ever experience the same, whether it’s to a lesser degree like my own experience, or if it’s something greater.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Support each other. Call out the person if you see harassment.
– Gwen H.
Location: Main Street, Royal Oak, MI
Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for ideas.
