Sexual Harassment has become a very main stream topic these days. So as I was thinking what to write regarding that critical issue, I had so many mixed feelings.
Disgust, is what I felt when I remember someone’s attempt to throw flattering comments about my looks
Rage, is what I feel towards any –so called man- who has ever participated in planting an idea inside a woman’s head, that if she wants to survive in the outside world she has to watch out for everybody’s hands.
Being a “Female” in Egypt, getting ready in the morning is a struggle. Because you don’t choose what you wear based upon your personal taste, your traditions or even the weather outside. You choose the outfit that will get you less comments and less harassment. And if you’re one of the unlucky majority of our population that isn't luxurious enough to have a car, then welcome to the Jungle! Where any tiny sudden movement –whether it is justified or not - is enough to start a conflict within yourself and raise tons of questions. Did he mean that?! , he looks decent. , do they all look vulgar? Maybe not. Has anyone noticed? Am I being unfair? Maybe it is me all long. Maybe not. I can’t just yell at him, or maybe I can, I even can hit him with the nearest thing. Do I have the ability to deal with everyone’s judgmental eyes after that? , Okay, Maybe the only thing they will be concerning about is whether I am judging them for not interfering. If I speak up, If I take this matter further, will I be victimized? Criminalized? Or even worse, treated with such indifference? Why did he do that? Is he thinking that it’s his right to say his opinion about my body parts?! Even if he’s flirting? Does he think that girls like this? No, he still doesn't have the right to do so! Whether you can relate to any or all of these questions, YOU NEED TO STOP! SERIOUSLY! STOP BEING SUBMISSIVE AND WEAK! It is not you, you are not sending signals that can be misunderstood. You have to stop criminalizing yourself for people to stop treating you as a criminal. You need to know something about your society, your society blames whoever’s potentially easier to blame. There is no fair trial, not even close. So why are you feeling guilty when the harasser doesn't seem to be? Why does it have to be you who looks down in shame? Why do you let these movements conquer your day, induce hatred and even aggravate your insecurities when the harasser is probably going to enjoy the rest of his day? They don’t seem to stop anytime soon, so you have to change the way you deal with them. You have to stop over thinking about every meaningless gestures you make and whether or not that justifies their actions. You need to quit trying so hard to insert logic in some hopeless twisted actions. If your clothes, the way you walk, the way you talk provoked a conflict within the harasser then it was probably there all along, you can't provoke what doesn't exist, And Darling, don’t you ever feel weak, these predators can smell weakness form miles away. And remember, you’re not alone in this. Speak up, and you’ll find help.
