I’ve never had anything incredibly offensive or disgusting said to me, but I do get catcalls and “Hey baby/sexy” fairly often. Even such seemingly innocuous things as “You look good this morning,” etc. bother me because of the way in which they’re said: nobody will approach you directly and say it to your face; they have to say it AT YOU behind your back, but close enough so they’re still in earshot.
I’ve had people drive beside me and talk at me out of truck windows while I was walking to work. Most of the time I try to ignore it because I don’t want to acknowledge that I heard it (plus I can’t physically or practically fight every douchebag who does it) but I hate feeling so passive, like I just let it happen without doing anything. Sometimes I’ll flip them off. It makes me feel like wearing a bag over my head so people won’t look at me.
– Anonymous
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Share your street harassment story today and help raise awareness about the problem. Find suggestions for what YOU can do about this human rights issue.
Sue Henderson says
In some countries women do cover their faces and they still get harassed so I’m afraid that wouldn’t solve anything.
If these ‘men’ didn’t realise they were doing wrong they wouldn’t feel the need to say this stuff behind your back. They clearly feel they have the right to take up your time and attention though and that is offensive. They define you by your looks and that’s offensive too.
Amelia says
I know that feeling. I often wish I was invisible (or that I could transform into a male’s body when necessary) because then I wouldn’t feel anxious & on my guard just walking down the street.