So here is the question:
What goes on in a mans mind when he decides to sexually proposition a woman on the street at 2:00 in the afternoon?
Case in point-
I was walking to a job interview the other day, in a busy New York neighborhood, and was verbally berated by several men who took it upon themselves to suggest varied ways in which they might make me more of a woman with their amazing sexual prowess. Now, I am not some shrinking violet who gets easily offended in fact, as an ex-preschool teacher/bartender/aspiring Dominatrix/sexaholic, I have seen and heard it all, and I am about the LEAST judgmental person on the planet. However, even I was a little surprised at the sheer number and diversity of men who felt bold enough to proposition me as I walked by. In just five short blocks, I was harassed by 7 men, who were white, black, and Hispanic, all in general proximity to my age. They commented from the sidewalk, across the street, and from moving vehicles, in addition to several others who were content to ogle me and loudly comment on my various body parts among themselves.
Of course, not missing a beat, I demonstrated several of my most vulgar arm and hand movements, and suggested ways in which they might fornicate themselves with an iron pole.. After all, a girl has to stand up for herself..
But the event certainly begs the question:
Why do they do it?
As a woman raised in a patriarchal society I immediately wondered if I somehow invited these comments due to my appearance. Mentally, I itemized my clothing: short sleeve black button up shirt over a modest red camisole, with black pants and my comfiest dog-chewed flip-flops. I did look cute, because I was on my way to a bartending interview, but I certainly did not have any of my goodies on display..
But wait it does not matter what I was wearing! Whether I was in a bikini or a nun habit, men would still comment and whisper.
Where does this boldness come from? Do they honestly think it does them any favors? As though their suggestions will send me into a fit of passion so strong that I will strip down and jump them right there on the sidewalk? Um no.
I would have a much different reaction if I were, for example, naked on a webcam in SG chat. THAT is an invitation for all sorts of sexual attention and comments. But a busy city street, on a weekday afternoon, in front of children in strollers, and little old ladies outside the bodega?
What the Fuck?
I need some clarification..
What goes on in a mans mind when he decides to sexually proposition a woman on the street at 2:00 in the afternoon?
Case in point-
I was walking to a job interview the other day, in a busy New York neighborhood, and was verbally berated by several men who took it upon themselves to suggest varied ways in which they might make me more of a woman with their amazing sexual prowess. Now, I am not some shrinking violet who gets easily offended in fact, as an ex-preschool teacher/bartender/aspiring Dominatrix/sexaholic, I have seen and heard it all, and I am about the LEAST judgmental person on the planet. However, even I was a little surprised at the sheer number and diversity of men who felt bold enough to proposition me as I walked by. In just five short blocks, I was harassed by 7 men, who were white, black, and Hispanic, all in general proximity to my age. They commented from the sidewalk, across the street, and from moving vehicles, in addition to several others who were content to ogle me and loudly comment on my various body parts among themselves.
Of course, not missing a beat, I demonstrated several of my most vulgar arm and hand movements, and suggested ways in which they might fornicate themselves with an iron pole.. After all, a girl has to stand up for herself..
But the event certainly begs the question:
Why do they do it?
As a woman raised in a patriarchal society I immediately wondered if I somehow invited these comments due to my appearance. Mentally, I itemized my clothing: short sleeve black button up shirt over a modest red camisole, with black pants and my comfiest dog-chewed flip-flops. I did look cute, because I was on my way to a bartending interview, but I certainly did not have any of my goodies on display..
But wait it does not matter what I was wearing! Whether I was in a bikini or a nun habit, men would still comment and whisper.
Where does this boldness come from? Do they honestly think it does them any favors? As though their suggestions will send me into a fit of passion so strong that I will strip down and jump them right there on the sidewalk? Um no.
I would have a much different reaction if I were, for example, naked on a webcam in SG chat. THAT is an invitation for all sorts of sexual attention and comments. But a busy city street, on a weekday afternoon, in front of children in strollers, and little old ladies outside the bodega?
What the Fuck?
I need some clarification..
Take care...