I shared a Twitter thread today that mentioned a woman’s issues with the company Lyft. After she reported the threatening driver they said he would be “reprimanded” and gave her a $5 credit. For all we know, this driver is still locking women in his car and putting them in stressful and uncomfortable situations.
A friend saw the series of tweets and told me how angry he was and how disappointed he was in Lyft and Uber. I know it’s just another place that should be safe but won’t always be for women. I told him why I don’t like to run super early or after it gets dark. One evening a man followed me for over half a mile and no one was around. Thankfully a dog barked and he got spooked. I sprinted home and swore off running when people wouldn’t be up or outside. I run in my neighborhood only now, usually mid-morning or early afternoon and never in a park or an empty trail. Part of the reason I got an Apple watch was so I could easily call someone if I didn’t feel safe and knowing my location would be known. I ran for peace and quiet but now I run in busy neighborhoods, dodging kids and listening to dogs bark at me as a run by.
Woman are tired of politely telling guys no. Don’t ask us if we have boyfriends, where they are, why they are letting us go out in the short dresses we’re in. If you don’t back off you’re going to take a pointy stiletto to the groin.
No means no, not continue bothering me. I’m wearing this dress for myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m with anyone or not. I just want to go out with my friends and not worry about ending up assaulted on my way home or dead because you feel like you’re entitled to whatever woman you want and can’t take no for an answer.
Woman just want to be respected.
He was stunned. Stunned that I have had to rearrange my schedule because of some jerk. He asked what he could do.
Like I tell every man that seems genuinely shocked at how their own kind can be, call it out. Intervene. The whole see something say something. I’m not asking you to risk your life for anyone, but if you see a guy clearly bothering a woman, help her. No, we’re not all damsels in distress and maybe we don’t always need help. But if you see a girl at the bar, clearly uncomfortable after politely declining someone, that is your chance to make sure she’s fine.
You can also raise your children, future children, nieces and nephews, any impressionable mind you encounter to be good humans. Be a good human, too. If your friend is harassing someone, call them out. Don’t just sit back and let it happen. We’re all guilty of being complicit sometimes and that’s why I’ve dedicated so much time and effort into advocating and helping. Stick up for woman and girls as if you truly believe we are your equals. Because spoiler alert: WE ARE.
If you remain complicit I will continue to not trust you. Being complicit is just showing your toxic masculinity, sexism, racism and/or privilege. And guess what? My army of strong woman will shut it down.
