Thread by @kazweida

I was out for a walk this afternoon in my neighborhood, tromping through half ploughed icy sidewalks when something happened that happens way way too often.

A red pickup truck with a big engine pulled up alongside of me.

(THREAD)

(2) At first I didn’t think much of it, but I did look up and glare at the driver. As a woman walking alone, even in the middle of the day, I am hyper aware of my surroundings.

I feel uncomfortable wearing headphones to listen to music when in public for exactly this reason.

(3) The driver was a young to middle aged white male and his truck was loud. He coasted along beside me for nearly half a block before stopping.

I was annoyed but shrugged it off. Maybe he wasn’t sure where he was going and was trying to get a closer look at the house numbers.

(4) About twenty minutes later I was in an entirely different part of my neighborhood nearly a mile or more away on a smaller side street when I saw him coming up the street on the other side.

And he did the same damn thing. He slowed his truck to my pace.

(5) At this point, like any woman with half a brain, I have to assume he is harassing me. So I stop. I glare at him. And I take photos of his license plate before he revs his engine and takes off.

This is not an uncommon occurance. It’s happened to me dozens of times in my life.

(6) And that’s precisely why I tell this mundane story. I’ve had it happen in cities and small towns, on crowded streets and deserted rural routes.

Whether I was wearing a tank top or bundled in a winter coat.

(7) I can’t take a walk in my own neighborhood, which is in truth a m safe one in a quiet suburb, without feeling unsafe

Guys- when I’m out in public, I’m not there for your pleasure

I’m here for mine

And I deserve to walk around my own damn neighborhood without being harassed