I live along the east coast of the US and I’m hanging out indoors, waiting out Hurricane Irene. A Facebook friend just posted this video of a weather channel reporter in the pouring rain, getting frustrated by all the people running and driving by as he warns people to stay indoors. The juxtaposition is pretty funny. Watch for a quick laugh.

I stopped laughing, however, when I noticed that all of the people shooting past the reporter appear to be men. Even during a hurricane, it’s men who feel safe enough in public spaces (and daring, up for a good time, etc) that they are able to run through the streets half dressed, seemingly without concern. While some people may think I’m reading too much into this, to me what we see in the video is one more example of how streets are often male territory.

Equality to me will be when there are just as many ladies as men running through the streets, enjoying a hurricane shower, with nothing to fear but the hurricane itself.