I was 14, and at the movie theater with my friends to see School of Rock for the third time that summer. Passing the concession stand I heard someone going, “Hey! hey!” toward me, and I turned to see a tall, slender man with a mole on his face and realized he was talking to me. When he had my attention he said, “I like the way you walk” in a really suggestive manner. Unfortunately he was the only one working so I was stuck buying from him. I vaguely remember him winking at one point.
Did I mention I was fourteen frickin years old? He wasn’t my age, I’m not even sure he was a young man, he seemed like he was in his 30s or 40s. I was extremely creeped out. I should have complained.
– Anonymous
Location: Dedham, MA
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Sue H says
One thing that struck me about your article was that you said you ‘should have complained’. That sounds as though you blame yourself for not doing and I hope that’s not so. Yes, in an ideal world you’d have thought to complain, but you were 14 years old and deeply shocked by what this ‘man’ had done. Hindsight is wonderfully clear and if a similar situation arose now you’d be right in there, asserting your right not to be harassed. Please don’t feel you didn’t do enough then, though. You kept yourself safe and that’s all you had to do. Expecting anything more from a 14 year old is being very hard on yourself, would you expect the same from another girl similiarly circumstanced? I hope you said ‘no’ there. Give yourself credit, you’d know what to do now, you’ve learned.
beckie says
I agree with Sue. And btw you are complaining. To us. Now! Good for you!!!