Jul
12
After being heckled in Peru for the last 2.5 years, I finally fought back today at the Giant Penny. Wish the leering had happened somewhere else to defy the stereotype about my favorite ghetto grocery store, but no surprises here. As I left the gym (granted, not wearing my most modest outfit, but still well-covered and expecting to be treated like a human), I had to go by the Giant Penny to pick up some chicken necks for Ellie's breakfast.Some thug walked by and made a slew of inappropriate comments. I didn't know exactly what to say, but I was done letting it slide. Particularly in Charlotte where this kind of behavior is really not socially accepted the way it is in Peru. I just stared him down for a moment and then asked him if he could please attempt to treat me with a little more respect. When he tried to defend himself, I told him I really didn't appreciate his treatment of me. He sheepishly apologized and walked off. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL! Score one for me!
Generally I walk away from these situations feeling degraded, violated, stripped of my humanity, ashamed of my weakness, downright furious, filled with bitterness and thoughts of evil revenge. Instead, today I left proud, happy, empowered, and dignified. I don't know why it took me this long to stand up for myself, but honestly it feels like a major life turning point!
Living in Charlotte, I probably won't encounter this kind of situation often. That's good. But for now at least I know that I can fight back with grace and dignity.
Woohoo! Everything inside of me cheered when I read this! How many times have I gone home after such an encounter and rehearsed what I SHOULD have said. Praise God that He gave you the boldness to say it! You did that man's SOUL a favor by exposing his "fruitless deeds of darkness" to the Light. May the Light of the World shine His holiness and healing on that man. Love you, sister.
YEAH! I had a moment like that... although, I did it off the coast of Tanzania during our last week on the African Continent. I was sick of it and I don't accept it anymore. I love what you said to him. I can't wait to see you very soon. I'm back in Charlotte now!