This morning on my way to work I got a "Hey, you look cute today" from an older man I didn't know.
End of last week when I walked into a coffee shop because a shirtless man kept eyeing me up from across the street before proceeding to cross the street and walk behind me.
The week before when I walked past my house and around the block to go in through the back because I was worried the man who had just gave me a "you're awfully beautiful" followed by him saying "thank you" [because he felt I owed him something for his "compliment"] was watching me walk home.
To name the most recent.
I didn't count how many friends, family members, coworkers, or mentors posted "Me Too" on Facebook and Twitter in the past 72 hours because to me this should be something which needs to be addressed no matter how many people have experienced it.
I also was hesitant to post because I didn't want anyone's, especially any man's, pity. I don't need men to feel sorry for what has happened to me-even if it was their fault. The damage is done. If you need to feel sorry, feel sorry for your actions-but please do not feel sorry for me. Put on your grown up pants on and start making a change so these things don't happen to anyone else.
Now I shared a status from someone that was going around on Facebook on ways for men to start making the change and I suggest every man goes and takes a look at it, regardless on if you feel like you are a part of the problem. Because if you don't feel like you are part of the problem, peep this excerpt from a blog post I did back in January:
"Your actions speak louder than your words.
If you sit in class and shout out answers while female classmates are raising their hand, you are part of the problem.
If you slap a girl's butt at a party just to "keep things interesting", you are part of the problem.
If you try to convince a girl to do X,Y, or Z with you even after she said no the first time, you are part of the problem.
Being an ally for women isn't just about saying you are in a long Anti-Trump Facebook post. It's about what you do behind closed doors and how you treat ALL women.
....You are not entitled to anything or anyone.
To the men in my life, especially those trying to change: thank you.
Now to all the fierce females in my life or out, whether you posted your story, "Me Too", or not at all- keep slaying and keep stickingSXLLM up for yourself and each other. WE got this.
Until the next one,
Chelsea