Harassment

This is going to be a graphic rant. You have been warned!!

Fresh off the boat from the west coast and chicago. Happy, cheerful and optimistic...I step out on the streets of NYC. I had forgotten about the harassment doled out by the 'dudes' who roam the streets. It hit me like a ton of bricks the moment I stepped out of my dorm. Two guys in an SUV parked at a STOP sign called out to me and started making sexual noises. I was about to cross the street but changed my mind and walked the other way. One of them called out "Where can I find a woman like you?"...I'll tell you where...you sick son of a bitch!!!

I can handle these situations when I face them....but it's the aftermath which is such a killer. I felt violated. The subways are another trap. These dudes come sit next to you...or for the sake of chivalry...they find an excuse to make you sit next to them. The eyes....that's what's really scary...they bulge out as if they just spotted a prey. And you can almost see the drool. I no longer sit in subways.

I was on my way to watch a movie with a friend...by the time I met him...I was in a foul mood. Why does it affect me? Cos I feel unsafe and dirty.

I had told Maddy about these stories...but she couldn't believe it. Till she saw it for hersef when she came here. Do these guys think it'll entice any woman with an ounce of self respect if they made grunting noises in her direction? That if they stand in her way and call her 'a sweetheart', she'll be floored and not kick them in their balls?

Why must i feel dirty for absolutely no reason? Why must I think twice before dressing up or down? Why? It's not fair!! I used to wonder why eve-teasing was such a big deal when I was a kid in India. Till I faced it here in NYC......it is a big deal. It shakes your core.

The easiest way for me to deal with this ....has been to ignore all advances. And of course using the excuses that I am either: married...or have a boyfriend studying in NYU. Ha! These stories have evolved over the past one year.

Anyway, rant over. For now.

Munich

Brilliant movie! Spielberg is amazing! Eric Bana is gorgeous! I would say more about this movie...but i'm not up to it right now...