You should take it as a compliment

It’s no secret that a woman’s character is often judged by her looks, and that appearances can be used as an excuse for the behaviour of others. I’ll admit that I’m lucky to be heathy and conventionally attractive, and I’m happy with the way I look. What I’m sick of is guys thinking that pretty girl+ short skirt= permission to grope, and other women somehow thinking they can use “I hate you” as a compliment because of how I look.
More than once I have told a guy who was getting too touchy-feely to back off, or just mentioned it to someone afterwards, only to be told that my appearance magically justifies bad behaviour, and that it’s really a compliment if someone actually pulls up my skirt and grabs my crotch (yes, this has happened before…) or a handful of my rear. Apparently, the honour of having a drunk frat boy grab my ass outweighs my objections to it. It’s not like this has happened only once: frat parties, a junior ranks mess, clubs, regular bars that happen to have a dance floor…For the last time IT IS NOT A COMPLIMENT FOR MY BREASTS OR REAR TO BE TOUCHED (and/or firmly squeezed) WITHOUT MY PERMISSION, IT IS A HORRIBLE INSULT!
Men aren’t the only guilty parties either. I’ve had women tell me to my face that they hate “girls like me” and that I should eat a burger or something. I have a healthy weight, and I can’t help it if my breasts are slightly disproportionate. I could work out and diet all I like, but they’ve been a D-cup since I was 14, and losing enough fat to shrink them would make up unhealthy. I don’t care how they mean it, but it’s just as bad to tell someone because of how she looks whether she’s heavy or slender. It’s the same damn thing.
I know it’s a bit angry rant-y, but I’m getting sick of it. However I look, don’t I still deserve some respect?

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.

Hi! I'm a Canadian biology student, studying at UofA. I enjoy reading, playing video games and reading sites like this one. On an unrelated note, I'm also engaged to get married after I graduate to my wonderfully understanding and supportive fiance.

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