Roadside romeos
What would it be like when you are walking down the street and every single head is staring at you? What would it be like when you are returning home from school and the boys on the street harass you by saying filthy words? What would it be like when you are alone in a small alley, and a gang of boys comes close to you and tries to touch your body?
These are actually not new things for girls in our city. The girls seem to be used to these things and so are the boys. Last Sunday evening, I was returning home from my workplace. A micro bus carrying kids to their homes from school stopped next to me. The conductor opened the door of the micro bus.
I just saw him briefly and the face he made after I saw him was so unusual. In addition, I could even hear him mumbling some filthy words. I felt so frustrated by this. You don’t have the right to say to others whatever you like. I was indeed very offended by his act towards me. I felt so hopeless seeing his act that I couldn’t even respond to him.
Later, I reached home and thought of the same thing and started regretting it. I regretted it because if I had responded to him saying that behaviour was offensive, he would at least start thinking twice before doing such things again. That was my fault. Ever since that day, whenever I hear wolf-whistles, I have dared to respond back. And yes, responding back doesn’t always mean some words are to be spoken as a reply to your tormentor. Sometimes, the best way to respond to them is not responding at all. While at other times, we can directly dare to say “no” to these louts so that they understand that it’s an offensive act.
Moreover, if it’s getting to be too much, you can talk with your seniors and find a proper solution to your problem. We hardly share these kinds of stuffs with our parents. If we start doing it from now on, then we’ll feel more secure. As I was involved in a chalk walk event held by an organisation which works against street harassment last month, I found out how street harassment hampers the normal life of every girl. From street vendors to students, everyone gets harassed, but all they do is “ignore” these things. But let me make it clear to you that it’s not an act to be ignored. It hampers us, our way of living and our liberty. It devastates our peaceful mind. So, let’s shout out against these acts. I dare you to do so.
These are actually not new things for girls in our city. The girls seem to be used to these things and so are the boys. Last Sunday evening, I was returning home from my workplace. A micro bus carrying kids to their homes from school stopped next to me. The conductor opened the door of the micro bus.
I just saw him briefly and the face he made after I saw him was so unusual. In addition, I could even hear him mumbling some filthy words. I felt so frustrated by this. You don’t have the right to say to others whatever you like. I was indeed very offended by his act towards me. I felt so hopeless seeing his act that I couldn’t even respond to him.
Later, I reached home and thought of the same thing and started regretting it. I regretted it because if I had responded to him saying that behaviour was offensive, he would at least start thinking twice before doing such things again. That was my fault. Ever since that day, whenever I hear wolf-whistles, I have dared to respond back. And yes, responding back doesn’t always mean some words are to be spoken as a reply to your tormentor. Sometimes, the best way to respond to them is not responding at all. While at other times, we can directly dare to say “no” to these louts so that they understand that it’s an offensive act.
Moreover, if it’s getting to be too much, you can talk with your seniors and find a proper solution to your problem. We hardly share these kinds of stuffs with our parents. If we start doing it from now on, then we’ll feel more secure. As I was involved in a chalk walk event held by an organisation which works against street harassment last month, I found out how street harassment hampers the normal life of every girl. From street vendors to students, everyone gets harassed, but all they do is “ignore” these things. But let me make it clear to you that it’s not an act to be ignored. It hampers us, our way of living and our liberty. It devastates our peaceful mind. So, let’s shout out against these acts. I dare you to do so.
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