Expected

So I had several errands to run today--drop off shoes for repair, drop off expense report for reimbursement, fill prescription--and a decision to make.

Do I drive or bus/walk? If I drive, I stay cooler in the air conditioning, but have to deal with the hassles parking at the various errand locations. If I take the bus and walk, I don't have to worry about parking and a get a little sunshine and exercise, but I will get hot and sweaty.

I went with plan B. Which worked out quite well since I would get hot and be able to cool off on the bus or in the various stores/buildings that I had to stop off in. As I was riding the nice and cool bus home, I reflected on my great plan. Ah, but of course, I forgot the one biggest problem with my plan, which is funny because it is what I've dedicated my professional life to studying.

There I was, I had just gotten off the bus. I was walking behind two women who appeared to be walking together (like friends) even though they weren't interacting. One woman was Hispanic, a bit taller than me, very curvy, and wearing jeans and a tank top. The other woman was Indian very tall, thinner than a bean pole, with long black hair, and wearing jeans and a hoodie (I couldn't understand how she wasn't melting). I was right behind them wearing my cute new Express dress (mine is black on top and a red skirt).

I noticed two African American men loitering on a grassy area up ahead, and thought to myself "here we go." As we approached, the one man made comments like "hello, how you ladies doin', good mornin'." Then he locked in on my and said "you've got very sexy hair." And as we all continued on ignoring him, he started shouting "hey shortie come back." Because, yes I'm going to turn around, come back, and chat with some jerk-wad who just stranger harassed and objectified me.

How crappy is it that women ought to factor in the hassle of stranger harassment into their plans?! The effect of the harassment is such that I should hide in the protective bubble of my vehicle and avoid public spaces. ARGH!!!

I'd love for my research material to dry up because that would mean that stranger harassment is eradicated, but unfortunately I don't see that time coming. My friends over at Hollaback got their funding for an iPhone App, so at least there's some good work on the way.