Jogger wonders how to respond to street harassment
Dear Amy: The other day, I was out for a jog when two young men pointed their cameras at me and shouted a disgusting and pejorative slang word referring to my breasts, which I cannot repeat here.
I was humiliated and angry with them for their behavior, but I didn't know the best way to respond: Introduce myself and engage in conversation? Grab their camera and throw it in the street?
What should I do the next time this happens to me?
-- Objectified
Dear Objectified: Depending on where you live, street harassment such as you experienced might be illegal. Check stopstreetharassment.org for guidelines. The organization also runs a hotline: call (855) 897-5910.
When this happens again, consider calling the police to report it. If you suspect they are workers at a job site, report them to the company.
Most harassment is about power; these people want to objectify you so that they feel strong and you feel weak. Try to maintain your outer confidence (rage helps). Always remember that you are stronger, smarter and greater than they are -- otherwise they wouldn't need to call you out to feel better! Think of yourself as Teflon; nothing sticks to you. Or if you prefer, be Wonder Woman, repelling the male gaze with your Bracelets of Submission!
Everyone handles something like this differently, and you need to do what works best for you. You could try to ignore it, or you could go my daughter's route: stopping in your tracks and fixing them with your best death stare (she has also called the police when she has witnessed or experienced harassment on public transportation).
You could attempt to photograph them (from a safe distance) and post the photo on social media, as a warning to other women. You could also stop and shout, "Attention sidewalk! These men would like to say something about my body! These men are taking pictures of women without their permission!"
Most importantly, always put your safety first: Don't engage physically, and if your instincts are telling you that something is wrong and you should get to safety, and then follow your instincts.
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