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And I'm so pissed and there's nothing I can do about it. I feel powerless. This does not help my misanthropy this morning. I am damned if I do - if I were to say something witty, would he have taken it as engaging banter? If I had told him to Fuck Off, then I'm just an angry man-hater, aren't I? He saw a young, unaccompanied female in a tank top and shorts pushing a bike and saw Dish with Side of Boobs. And I'm damned if I don't say anything. Because what do I do with my anger now? Is my silence my consent?
What makes him think that his commentary is welcome? That his wants and desires must be vocalized? He was walking along silently just fine, smoking his cigarette and fingering his prayer beads until I passed him from behind on the sidewalk.
In these situations I can never think of anything to say. My first and foremost response is: what are my surroundings, how long till I am out of this man's eyesight/range, who is around me, did any one else hear? My personal safety is my immediate concern, particularly when I'm by myself.
This has happened innumerable times and thankfully nothing has ever happened to me. I don't really fear that something will. But a girl never knows...
This morning there was some one else walking behind me. A man. I heard him and was aware. He did not say anything while Harassment Man entreated me for half a block or more. And when I was finally on my bike, pedaling away, I turned to look and Man #2 has sidled up alongside Harassment Man and was smiling and laughing with him while leering in my direction.
Fuckers.
What makes him think that his commentary is welcome? That his wants and desires must be vocalized? He was walking along silently just fine, smoking his cigarette and fingering his prayer beads until I passed him from behind on the sidewalk.
In these situations I can never think of anything to say. My first and foremost response is: what are my surroundings, how long till I am out of this man's eyesight/range, who is around me, did any one else hear? My personal safety is my immediate concern, particularly when I'm by myself.
This has happened innumerable times and thankfully nothing has ever happened to me. I don't really fear that something will. But a girl never knows...
This morning there was some one else walking behind me. A man. I heard him and was aware. He did not say anything while Harassment Man entreated me for half a block or more. And when I was finally on my bike, pedaling away, I turned to look and Man #2 has sidled up alongside Harassment Man and was smiling and laughing with him while leering in my direction.
Fuckers.