It happens again and again

Women’s Lib, Eqaulity in the Workplace, Career Moms – a lot of great things have happened for women, even in just the past few decades. But I think too many people, especially highly-educated ones, forget that there are still differences between women and men. Guys, for the most part, can go where they want, whenever they want. They don’t have to worry that their car is parked at the opposite end of the parking lot. They don’t have to keep the close constant watch on everyone within 100 yards of them. Guys are not the object of lewd oogling and when they are, they feel cocky and happy. I don’t know of any guys who know what it feels like to be undressed by somebody’s eyes evertime they walk down the street. Maybe I’m more sensitive to it because I spend an hour or more walking around downtown each day. None of the males in the office do it to me. Well, there have been one or two, but I know they wouldn’t try anything and they never made it obvious. But walking in downtown, its horrible. I should almost just go naked and save them the trouble. Now to be honest, that usually doesn’t bother me as much. The guys don’t approach me or say anything, so whats wrong with looking? They really aren’t harassing me. Its when the guy walks up and says something. Its when those scumballs who make my skin crawl start talking to me, calling my goregouse and asking for my name or number that I get scared. That’s when I want to scream and run to the safety of my home. Normally, I don’t need a man around. I can take care of myself and carry my books all on my own. But there are some moments when I would happily allow a man to walk me to my car. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met guys on the street before and they don’t make me wish for a knight in shining armour. There was that guy and his friend who asked for a cigarette, then complimented me on my bag. I was somewhat wary while we talked, but I was okay. They were nice, polite and respectful.

Today, two guys crossed the arterial the same time I did. One of them started making comments, how I was goregous and what not. He asked for my name and if I was married. I lied on both accounts. He told me my husband was a lucky man and how he wished he had someone at home like me. He told me where he lived and what he did, and just kept at it. I’ve learned that it’s better to humor them, than to ignore them or be rude. In all honestly he wasn’t really being rude or even crude and there wouldn’t have been a good excuse to attack him or anything. I got where I was going and finished all my errands, taking the long way to avoid him. I dawdled in every building I had to go into. I feel dirty, almost violated. What really sucks is this wasn’t the first time it happened to me, nor will it be the last. To be honest, I almost expect it to happen at some point or another.

How messed up is that?