If you’re a woman who has ever walked down a public street, you’re likely familiar with the unsettling reality of street harassment. One woman, after a particularly alarming encounter on her way to the train, decided to share a photo of her outfit to counter the all-too-common “you asked for it” comments.
Samantha Lewis posted a picture of herself in brown leggings, a long parka, tall boots, and a large scarf. But honestly, it’s irrelevant what she was wearing. Street harassment is never about a woman’s attire; it’s about power dynamics. It’s about someone infringing on your personal space and your peace, feeling entitled to dictate how you should respond.
Samantha’s Experience
Samantha recounted her experience: “This morning, while navigating the bustling 34th Street subway station, a man walked past and exclaimed, ‘Wow, you’ve got great legs!’ When I ignored him and continued walking, he actually turned around to follow me, getting closer as I moved away. ‘Did you hear me, darling? I said you have nice legs. Wow! Thanks.’”
What struck her was the ‘thank you’ — as if her legs, covered by five inches of leggings, were a gift meant for his enjoyment. Who gives anyone the right to demand engagement from a stranger on the street? That’s a level of entitlement that’s hard to comprehend. Here’s a little advice: it’s never acceptable to expect a stranger to interact with you in public.
This is something women seem to innately understand. We don’t go around complimenting men and expect them to express gratitude for our half-hearted remarks tossed into the air. The truth is, these men aren’t genuinely looking for engagement; they want you to respond with a coy smile as if they’ve said something profoundly original like, “nice legs.”
The relentless expectation that women must cater to men’s fragile egos is exhausting and infuriating. It’s a primary reason why women are fed up with street harassment.
Changing the Narrative
“Next time you question whether your skirt is too short, ask your teenage daughter to change her outfit, or hear about school dress codes in the news, remember this image,” Samantha urges. “I’m in a parka and boots. And it. Doesn’t. Matter.”
Every time we dismiss a girl being reprimanded for a “dress code violation,” we are reinforcing the idea that a woman’s appearance is open to public scrutiny. Most of these so-called “violations” are ludicrous: a glimpse of a shoulder, a knee, or a bra strap. Why do we make it a big deal? By accepting that girls should feel their appearance invites judgment, harassment, and even violence, we are perpetuating a damaging cycle.
The next time you hear about a woman being harassed or a teen criticized for a “dress code” breach, pay attention to your response. If your instinct is “big deal” or “she shouldn’t have worn that,” it may be time to reconsider your stance. You might be sending a dangerous message to your children.
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In summary, street harassment is not about what a woman is wearing; it’s about the unwarranted entitlement some individuals feel over her presence. Women should never feel responsible for the way they are treated based on their clothing choices.
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