Fuckwits on a train

[slemslempike]

On the train back I went to the shop. This was to buy water to soothe my SORE THROAT IT HURTS, spurred on by the shop manager's announcement, which I think was trying to be funny and make slightly out-dated pop culture references, but came across more as being held hostage by the onboard computer and trying not to let her fear show lest others be made to suffer.

My way there was blocked by two men who were sitting across the aisle from each other chatting. One moved his legs very politely, and the other "grinned" up at me and said I could only get past if I said "excuse me, please". When I pointed out that I already had, he grudgingly moved.

On the way back to my seat, the same man got up and blocked my path, moving backwards between the seats in front of me leering at me. When he eventually stood to the side to let me past he muttered "you're a little tease" as I went past. I informed him that he was a fucking dickhead, and went through to my carriage.

UGH. I don't actually encounter very much sexist harrassment in my day to day life, and it's still really unsettling when it happens. I found myself pulling my vest top up higher on my breasts when he came through my carriage, because of course there must be some reason why he called me a tease, and if he'd gotten angry when I'd called him a dickhead then that would have been my fault too because you shouldn't provoke men if they're arseholes to you, just placate them. Stupid horrible man.

Comments

[netgirl-y2k.livejournal.com]

What a bastard. I hope many bad things happen to him.

I once had a guy on a bus say I was ugly and mime vomiting down my cleavage because I wouldn't tell him what I was reading.

And they say charm is a thing of the past.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

I know! All this stuff about masculinity in crisis, and really there are so many examples of men knowing exactly how to tread the line of gentlemanly behaviour without patronising people.

I was once groped by a man in a coat queue, who then told me I must have been mistaken when I got angry, because I was so fat that no-one would touch me.

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

Oh yuck that man. I hope he caught your cold. And well done you for answering back to him.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

It would be nice if he got a cold and was snot-filled for the next week or so. Even nicer if it meant I didn't.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

Yuk. It's horrible the way people like that have the power to spoil your day just by being - yeah, well, fucking dickheads, as you say...

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

Exactly! I'd had a lovely few days, and then he made me feel shitty. Although then I cheered myself up watching old episodes of FAQ U with David Mitchell being infuriated with Rhys Thomas, so it wasn't too lasting.

[whatho.livejournal.com]

What a knobhead. Well done you for telling him so.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

I'd like to think it will make him examine his ways but sadly clearly not.

[hafren.livejournal.com]

Oh I am glad you insulted described him.

Of course there are men like Sir Walter. But too many of the other kind.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

I'd rather they veered away from the tiresome chivalry too, to be honest, and just tried a bit harder not to be twats.

[hafren.livejournal.com]

ah but but... at his trial, Sir Walter, having to refer to a time when the late queen had been getting on in years, called her "a lady whom Time had surprised". They should have let him off just for that.

[howlin-wolf-66.livejournal.com]

Loathsome people cannot be saved, but they can and should be pilloried, so thank-you for attempting to restore the balance!

[slightlyfoxed.livejournal.com]

Blergh. And good response.
I'm currently checking in advance with my female friends whether they mind me bellowing abuse back at people who catcall us while out (it's kind of too late to check when it happens, and I know some people prefer to icily ignore it, or fear repurcussions). So far I have two 'go for its' - I forgot to ask you, but will assume bellowing OK in most circs.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

I will happily be the third "go for it". I either don't encounter or don't notice much catcalling, but shouting abuse sounds like the way to go.

[gair.livejournal.com]

Bloody good on you. Sorry to hear that you were subjected to MISOGYNIST VIOLENCE as you were going about your day. Jesus.