I was harassed today

Some asshole in a suburban yelled at me today while I was walking to get my lunch. All he said was “How Much? How Much?!” I didn’t know what to do at first. I just cocked my head and tried to give him a dirty look through my sunglasses. Then, it came to me.
Usually in these situations, I freeze up and walk away thinking of all of the clever things I could have said. This time, I thought of it lightning fast, and before I could even consider whether or not it was dangerous to insult this pea-brained neanderthal, it was coming out of my mouth:
“Oh honey, you have to have a dick for that!”
He looked simultaneously amused and ashamed. Loud Ohhh’s!!! could be heard from his friends in the back seat. I know it was childish and probably not productive and potentially dangerous. But you know what? I walked away from that situation feeling powerful rather than passive. Invigorated rather than insulted. And strong instead of the usual sulky.
It makes me mad that some dick on the street can ruin my day just that easily. Normally I would come away from that running the situation through my head, wondering what I did to provoke such a fucked up comment. I am a stranger on the street and this kid disrespects me enough to ask me how much I charge for SEX?! What made him say that? Am I dressed slutty? Was I sending some signal? Is he just making fun of me? If so, why?
It’s insane to give someone that power. I’m not going to do it anymore. I refuse to give encounters like this any further thought than “what an asshole.” It’s not worth it to spend mental energy on it. Cause I would bet that they aren’t spending what little mental energy they have on me.
Okay, rant complete.

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

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