I was sitting on the patio at a local coffee shop, enjoying a chai, reading the paper, and waiting for my massage appointment. I was alone on the patio until two men and one woman came out and sat at the next table. I didn’t think much until they started getting into a conversation about women in general. They talked about how all women were worthless (remember, there was a woman sitting with them and she was laughing along with them) and were generally just being disrespectful.
At about that time, a woman crossed the street in front of us and one of the men wolf-whistled at her. She ignored it and kept on walking. A minute later a woman riding a motorcycle went by and that elicited another round of rude comments.
I was very uncomfortable. There was one part of me that really wanted to confront these guys and castigate them for their behavior and then there was the other part of me that didn’t feel safe doing so.
I opted to leave, feeling bad.
– Kelly
Location: Main St., Downtown Ventura, California
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.
Concealed Weapon says
I’m guessing she was just as uncomfortable as you. They’re probably controlling her in some way.
beckie says
I agree with Concealed Weapon. How horrible to have to hear all that!
Robin says
I have had something similar happen to me more than once in the past year .It’s very backward .But many people( both men and some women ) still think its ok harass women or it’s no big deal .