I work in a branch of psychological research that emphasizes: structural change, policy influence, and empowerment of marginalized groups as they exist within their communities. These are the tools and theories that have guided my work, and similarly, what attracted me to Stop Street Harassment. But what happens when structural change isn’t enough? What happens when the policies change but the culture doesn’t? I had an experience the other day that reminded me of my work—and reminded me that even when the policy and legislature are clear, I have to continue to work to change the culture.
The other day on my way home, having just dedicated hours to working on a section of the “Know Your Rights Toolkit,” I ended up in the transit center for about 30 minutes.
In a mere 30 minutes, mid-day, I was harassed, threatened, and berated by over half a dozen men. I had one man invade my personal space from behind and then simulate beating me with a crutch when I moved away in disgust. I had another pace back and forth staring at me as I was reading alone against a wall. I had one scream at me to smile in a voice that actually sounded annoyed. I was angry and exhausted and for the rest of the day—I actually felt a bit helpless. I knew my rights—and I did nothing. Even more, I was disappointed in the dozens of men who stared on, watched others treat me this way, yet said or did nothing.
When I finally got home, and was able to relax and calm down, I reminded myself that the toolkit was not intended to make victims feel guilty for not reporting—it was created so that we know our rights. And I do.
In the following days, I talked to a mutual acquaintance who is a police officer stationed in the transit center about keeping an eye on the harassment and let him know which areas were the most problematic. I took solace and satisfaction in knowing that my city offers online reporting, and that I can snap a camera phone picture of the particularly heinous offenders in the future. I felt proud of the way I chose to handle those particular harassers in that moment, and I felt grateful for my safety. The experience not only served as a reminder of the challenges in my work, but also reminded me that however I choose to respond that day, is the right way, and that the same remains true for all of you. I hope you all find the toolkit informative and possibly empowering when it releases on December 10. You can join our Tweet chat at 1 p.m. EST that day.
Rickelle Mason is Stop Street Harassment’s fall 2013 intern. She is an undergraduate senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With a major in Psychology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, she has a passion for feminist psychology, and using community-based participatory research to dismantle gender-based violence. She has worked for several years in the university’s Community Psychology Research Lab, which was recently the recipient of the “Outstanding Training in Community Psychology” International Award.
