When I started writing this, I was feeling pretty okay. It's hellishly hot outside, but other than that, things were good. I had just missed the bus, so I was waiting on another when some drunk white dude plops himself next to me (there are plenty of seats empty) and starts rambling about how I'm "islam" and why I dress like I'm in the 5th century and whatnot. I tried to politely but firmly indicate that this is not appropriate and that I am not interested in him. He escalates amd starts demanding that I list every reason that I think I'm better than him. He shifts. I tell him that I will first kick his ass and then call the police if he touches me. I get up and move. He starts screaming to everyone about how I dumped him, etc. etc. for the rest of our 20 minutes there. Slammed down a beer, and followed us onto the bus. Spend the next two stops sitting as close as possible (I stood by the driver) and bitching at both the driver and I. Then he followed me off. I threatened him again with the police and headed for the nearest store. He turned around. People wonder why women don't feel safe in public *in America*. Here we are. Frankly, it doesn't matter how I dress- and I don't mean that ethically; I mean that regardless of what I wear or don't wear, some version of this scenario happens to me at least once a week. I'm lucky that I can keep a cool exterior that sometimes intimidates guys like these. They know I will fight back. I'm just afraid of the guys that take that as a challenge. Men need to tell other men that this is not okay. Men don't care about what we say, so it has to come from other men. #men #shitmensay #mensproblems #women #womeninpublic #protectwomen #harassment #islam #headscarf #headscarves #publicsafety #tampa #florida
