Take Back The Night
(x-posted from Adorkable Thespian
Thank you.
I did the walk tonight. It had been a long time. It felt good to be back. It felt good to bring my little boy, to see the event through his eyes…just a parade with lots of fun noise.
The noise. It came from the women in the parade. It also came from people along the streets. Pedestrians, motorists, residents, patrons. They clapped and cheered. Some honked their horns. Some didn’t make noise but they waved.
Thank you for doing that. Thank you for understanding.
I go out alone at night. I feel conspicuously small. I walk purposefully, head held high, the way I was taught in my self-defense class. I stick to busy streets when ever possible.
Last week, late night, waiting for the bus. I spotted a man across the street. He was drunk. I was scared. He crossed. I ran.
Last night there was a fight downtown. Stupid posturing that got out of hand. Again, I was frightened, vulnerable and small.
And I hated those guys! I am so much better than what their violent game-playing reduced me to.
Tonight, every supportive gesture felt a personal affirmation. This street IS SO YOUR SPACE, SMALL WOMAN - take it!
I go out alone at night. Because I can. Because even if I’m scared, even if I’m hurt, I’m not wrong.
So, thank you. Tonight, I feel a little bigger.
Thank you.
I did the walk tonight. It had been a long time. It felt good to be back. It felt good to bring my little boy, to see the event through his eyes…just a parade with lots of fun noise.
The noise. It came from the women in the parade. It also came from people along the streets. Pedestrians, motorists, residents, patrons. They clapped and cheered. Some honked their horns. Some didn’t make noise but they waved.
Thank you for doing that. Thank you for understanding.
I go out alone at night. I feel conspicuously small. I walk purposefully, head held high, the way I was taught in my self-defense class. I stick to busy streets when ever possible.
Last week, late night, waiting for the bus. I spotted a man across the street. He was drunk. I was scared. He crossed. I ran.
Last night there was a fight downtown. Stupid posturing that got out of hand. Again, I was frightened, vulnerable and small.
And I hated those guys! I am so much better than what their violent game-playing reduced me to.
Tonight, every supportive gesture felt a personal affirmation. This street IS SO YOUR SPACE, SMALL WOMAN - take it!
I go out alone at night. Because I can. Because even if I’m scared, even if I’m hurt, I’m not wrong.
So, thank you. Tonight, I feel a little bigger.