Decency and respect should be a no brainer…and yet…
Hello, my name is Dawn. But in my neighborhood I’m referred to as “white girl”, “momma”, or “babe” or “honey” or especially, “sweetie”. And if I don’t like it, I’m referred to as “bitch!” very loudly, almost daily, and now I’ve got a nervous twitch. I feel privileged for the respect of anonymity in the grocery isle, or a polite nod of hello instead of a full front and back scope out.
I have lived in so many places, all over the world and I’m very eclectic spiritually. I consider myself a feminist generally, no more than any normal woman…or so I thought.
In Westport Kansas City, a woman who wants respect and equality is a snob, privileged and, of course, at risk for an assault. First, it will be verbal, and then, little girl, it’ll get physical.
Cat calls are annoying. but nothing is scarier than scratching or tapping on walls or doors, or a burglary done for revenge.
Even the most liberal and outgoing person who believes in equality will be challenged in this area for an average and decent amount of human respect, much less the extravagance of indulging a sensibility, like peace, quiet and the right to privacy in the home.
Beware all ye who enter here. If you are not a part of the ultra-rich conservative, you voice will not be heard. Poor or lower-class citizens of Westport are considered a burden, a charity case. I suppose some are. But there are others with small income who just want to have common decency laws about respect to be carried out by law enforcement.
There should be no question…and yet, there always is.
2 Responses
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Hey Dawn,
Thank you for sharing your story here. I’m sorry this has been your experience. Unfortunately, almost no laws exist to protect us in public from verbal harassment. The ones that do exist are flimsy at best, and more laughable than not. Getting law enforcement to fully prosecute physical sexual assault is incredibly rare, so the idea of them actually taking a verbal assault seriously enough is hard to imagine. But that shouldn’t deter us! What’s so great about the Hollaback movement is that it creates a community for people who’ve had these experiences where one doesn’t exist. When we all get together with the same experiences, then we can start dialog about how to create laws, ensure enforcement, and other awesome options.
Thanks again for sharing your story, Dawn.
Hollaback!!
Hello.. I just moved to Kansas City from Los Angeles, and I am now too scared to take the bus, or even walk to the downtown grocer. I know it doesn’t help, but you aren’t alone.