Just. Say. No

Dear Sirs.

I am exhausted of being subjected to inappropriate interactions while you vie for my attention. Don't look at me like I'm a cold-hearted bitch because I demand respect. So I've come up with a list of  unacceptable behaviors. Should you actually wish me to acknowledge your presence... find. Another. Conversation. Starter.

Do NOT:

• Call at/to me from down the street. Because you look like an idiot, hollering at someone that is ignoring you. And yes, I am ignoring you. 

• Hiss, click, snap, or make kissing sounds at me. Since I'm not a domesticated animal, I think you're looking for your pet.

• Honk at me from a red light, pull up beside me, or otherwise stop traffic to ask me ANYTHING. a) I feel like you might try to kidnap me. b) My mommy told me not to get in the car with strangers

• Advise an adjustment for my demeanor "You should smile more!"  Fuck. Off.  :) 

• Stand in front of my treadmill trying to hold a conversation. Really? I stop talking to the people that I like while I'm at the gym. Why would I talk to you? While I'm trying to run.

This guy has the right idea. "Hey asshole, women are human beings." If you want a woman, treat her like a lady.

the rest is still UNwritten...

Food For Thought

Why is it, in today's society, we consistently blame victims instead of calling into question the actions of the perpetrator?

Why do people tell me not to "dress like I'm asking for it" instead of teaching boys that when I'm "asking for it" I'll use my words?

Why are black mothers so concerned about their sons being victimized by police, but not their daughters being victimized by their sons?

Why would we EVER condemn a woman for her own assault?

Why can't I walk down the street without some scrub (defined by TLC --as in "I don't want no..,") yelling at me from the car, the stoop, inside barber shop, across the street?
"Hey beautiful, you know you want some."
In reply I refer to the previous lyric.

Why are women still being photo shopped to be taller and thinner in magazine photos?

Why are conservative "pro-life" *cough* anti-choice *cough* advocates so concerned about what I'm doing with my body; but don't give 2-cents (and I do mean literally) to the millions of foster kids, orphans, and victims of child abuse in the US?
If they worried more about the unwanted babies that are already in the world and less about the unborn parasite in someone else's body there might be less children yearning for adoption in this country. And also maybe fewer sociopaths...

What kind of world do we live in, that the men and women that have sworn to protect and serve, have abused that power so much that now they have to wear body cameras?

Why are the murders of young black men by police called "accidental shootings"?
-"I'm sorry. I accidentally raised my gun and pulled the trigger repeatedly. I didn't think he would die..."
-Is that now a viable defense? Could I use that in a trial?

Why can a group of white men enter a Walmart toting honest-to-God assault rifles, and a black man holding a toy gun is shot dead?

And as the wave of gentrification washes through Flatbush Brooklyn (read there are so many white people), why am I still more afraid of being accosted by police than the annoying men that harass me whenever I leave my apartment.

These thoughts are decidedly more political than I usually write about. But this is what I'm thinking.

the rest is still UNwritten...