Think a woman can walk down a street in broad daylight without being hassled? Think again. When you think about sexual harassment, you may think about women being groped or fondled, but harassment can take many forms. In this video created by the non-profit Hollaback!, a young woman proves that "exhausting sexism," as Jezebel calls it, happens every single day in the most mundane situations.
In fact, over a 10-hour period the sheer number of times the woman had comments directed at her is staggering. It's gut-churning, honestly. And the whole time she is just walking through the streets of New York. She's not dressed provocatively (not that what she's wearing even matters).
Not once does she talk back, make eye contact, or even acknowledge the hecklers, yet for some reason these men all feel they are within their rights to either acknowledge her beauty or demand that she interact with them. Their persistence is galling. They falsely assume that they are paying her a compliment and for that she should be grateful. Ugh.
One man even deigned to walk alongside her for several minutes. At this point, while watching the footage, I actually started to feel uncomfortable and concerned for her safety.
And just for the record, the men who did this to her came from all backgrounds and a host of neighbourhoods.
I've always been a fairly conservative dresser. Though I'm past the age where men outwardly pay me much attention, if I'm honest, I know that part of the reason I dress the way I do has to do with comfort. But the other part has to do with keeping unwanted attention at bay.
On days when I chose to wear a skirt or dress, I could feel the difference instantly. And because I didn't like to be ogled, it was just easier to wear pants most days. I wonder how many other women feel the same way.
Some men truly don't think they are doing anything wrong when they address women this way. They need to know that this kind of attention is not flattery, it's harassment. And it has to stop.
This dad is fighting the good fight, for his daughters' sake.
Remember the film Schindler's List? Well, it seems there was not only one real life Oskar Schindler, but several Schindler types. One such man was Sir Nicholas Winton. The Briton, who rescued 669 children from certain death, is finally being honoured in the Czech Republic for his brave feats during the Second World War.
For some people, Halloween is a fun occasion to get dressed up as superheroes and mythical beings, and collect treats along the way. For others, it's an exercise in pushing the boundaries of good taste.
Every year, there are epic Halloween costume fails. Already this year Walmart was called out for selling plus-sized costumes labelled "Fat Girl." It's a move so daft that I'd like to believe the retailer was playing an early "trick" on customers, but something tells me that's wishful thinking on my part.
And who can forget last year's Orange is the New Black(face) faux pas by this celebrity? Word to the wise: it's never a good idea to appropriate another person's race. Not if it's your favourite TV character. This year it's the infamous NFL player, like Ray Rice.
Incredibly, Rice seems to be the hot costume, with droves of Instagrammers posting pictures of themselves—and their kids—donning Rice's jersey (complete with black-eyed doll). I wouldn't be all that surprised if those players end up leaving the party a second black eye to match the made-up one.
Former MSNBC host, Keith Olbermann, had strong words for these folks, suggesting that Child Services needs to get on the case asap, and that these kids should probably receive "coupons for psychiatric help" for Christmas.
So, this year it seems we are trumping last year's efforts, with costumes that tick all the boxes of offensive and abhorrent. Word to the wise: if you think you are being clever or funny by taking on a controversial persona (that goes for you too, Prince Harry), let me stop you there because chances are, you're not.
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