Dear New York, Please, Just SHUT Up

22 Jul Dear New York, Please, Just SHUT Up

Posted at 09:00h in All by

I love this city, I hate it sometimes, too. In an effort to keep track of my feelings about the Big Apple during my time here I try my best to chronicle them in a letter to this crazy place. Welcome to Dear New York–a series posted monthly on the anniversary of the date I moved here. 

Stop the Street Harassment

“You’re really beautiful,” my on-camera coach told me as I washed my hands after using the restroom. Our eyes met in the mirror as she finished, “but you must know that.”

She continued on–stay with me, asking, “where are you from? New York?” “The men must love you there,” she said, sure of herself.

Here’s the thing, my darling New York. As she said this, I couldn’t help but make a face.

I lightly touched on this before with you. Perhaps, my tone came across like I was joking. I wasn’t. I’m serious.

Leave me alone.

And, shut up.

I don’t want to have entertain you. Or smile because you think I should have to. Excuse me, New York but I’m dealing with some real sh*t and if I want my walk, wherever I’m going, free of small talk, I’m allowed. And even if I wasn’t going through anything and I just wanted to skip up and down the street unbothered in shorty shorts, again, I’m allowed.

I don’t want to have to worry about if some man finds it appropriate to say dirty things to me again as I wait for the NQR on my way to work in the morning. I completely realize that I’ve been fortunate that it’s only been verbal harassment and a homeless man hasn’t shown me his genitals. Or some creep hasn’t tried to rub up against me on the subway.

But do you realize how effed up that sounds? That I’m fortunate it’s only been verbal harassment? Street harassment in New York is a real issue. I don’t like walking with my head down to avoid conversations I don’t want to have.

Get it together, New York.

If I have to tell you again, we’re going to have a problem.

*shakes fist*

p.s. Ladies of New York and beyond, how do you deal with street harassment? Is this something that you’ve dealt with?

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  • Angel
    Posted at 15:58h, 22 July

    Love this Channing! You should read this, from my co-editor Ashley C: http://bit.ly/aif_hollaback. And I peeped that Daryl dig. He has to go.

    • ChanningintheCity
      Posted at 14:29h, 23 July

      Daryl DOES need to go, especially considering he calls me Shannon.

      I loved Ashley’s article! I had no idea such a space existed.

  • QueenRian
    Posted at 21:15h, 22 July

    Yes unfortunately Street harassment is in every major city but I’ve been to New York and those people on the street make you wanna hurt’em. In Philly its not so intense but every now and then you might need to have your mace or pocket Knife handy. .lol

    • ChanningintheCity
      Posted at 14:30h, 23 July

      So, I’ve actually been considering getting a pocket knife or some mace. I never really feel afraid, but there are times when I just want a little something just in case.

  • Candi
    Posted at 12:52h, 23 July

    You are hilarious Channing!! Maybe some large black sunglasses will help them to SHUT UP!

  • Kierra Makayla
    Posted at 22:47h, 29 July

    Woah, soooo love your blog! I’m also from PA, in a really tiny town and I’m moving to New York City in 19 days!

    http://www.lavishingg.com
    xx

    • ChanningintheCity
      Posted at 23:02h, 29 July

      Thank you!! I’m so excited for you :)) Congrats! Email me if you need help finding your way!

  • Jordan
    Posted at 22:43h, 30 July

    My boyfriend sent me this article. A woman is frustrated by the men who catcall her in the street so she starts confronting them and video recording the exchanges she has with them. The videos are pretty interesting…

    http://jezebel.com/woman-confronts-catcallers-and-secretly-films-their-rea-1608516447

    • ChanningintheCity
      Posted at 11:47h, 31 July

      HEY JORDAN! How are you?? This woman is awesome. Good for her!

      • Jordan
        Posted at 07:56h, 03 August

        I’m great! How are you? It’s so wonderful to see what you’re doing with your life and that your dreams are taking shape. That is such a blessing. Thanks for continuing to share your journey on your blog because it’s a real inspiration.

        • ChanningintheCity
          Posted at 09:40h, 04 August

          I’m doing well! And thank you for the kind words 🙂 It means a lot.

  • ShesFacingFreedom
    Posted at 08:21h, 15 August

    OMG! It is such an awkward thing. It’s nice that people find you attractive, but if you smile, will they feel like they have an in? I am horrible at dealing with it. I go so far as ignoring people. LOL.

    • ChanningintheCity
      Posted at 17:40h, 17 August

      LMAO well, depending on the day, I may ignore you. And it is sad that a simple smile can be considered an in for people.

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