On Sexual Harassment

I'm really at a loss for how to interpret and deal with catcalls from men driving by while I walk down the street. The Smithie in me tells me it's disrespect and objectification, that I should be offended or even fear for my safety in some extreme cases. However, it's been proven time and time again that what holds at Smith does not necessarily carry over to the "real world." Do they think they're paying me a compliment? That I appreciate their vulgar overtures? Or do they really think that I'm just an object for their admiration and pleasure?

Honestly, just once I'd like to walk down the street without having to worry about being catcalled or ogled. I didn't get dressed for you this morning. I got dressed like a young professional who would like a job. I'm not your baby, I don't want a ride, in fact I don't even want you to talk to me. I want to walk from the T to my car in peace. I don't know. Maybe I'm just too uptight. Or am I? And really, how desperate do you have to be to catcall the girl limping down the street in a business suit?

I actually had a moment where I feared for my safety on Tuesday. A creep in a garbage truck actually had the gall to drive by, turn around, drive by the other way, lean out his window and wave. I rolled my eyes and looked straight ahead but then realized that if he could turn around once, what was stopping him from turning around again and driving by on the side of the road I was walking on? Perhaps an overreaction, but I hustled it to my car.

It seems like this is just a fact of life... and it sickens me that that's the case. I shouldn't have to live in a constant state of apprehension because of my sex (not gender; they're not the same thing for you non-Smithies out there).