One of the things on my New Years resolution list was to work with new choreographers and more women of color and by the end of January it had happened. The great and wonderful Sydnie L. (Don't forget the L) Mosley created an evening length work called "The Window Sex Project" that is a response through dance to street harassment.
You know the scene.
"Yo miss, MISS!"
"Hey beautiful"
"You need some help with that bag shorty?"
Insert your favorite line here ___________
We've all experienced it, witnessed it or maybe WE said inappropriate words to someone else and thought it was OK. The fact of the matter is, it happens and how I deal with it has been a real eye opener. I'm from Brooklyn, I'm used to men hollering at me everyday. Most if the time I don't even pay attention to it but a few times someone goes too far and I feel compelled to say something. I've been told since I was young to not respond back. "People are crazy" my mother said. "You don't know what they will do". So that's it right? I shouldn't say anything? I should just walk a little faster, keep my head down and make sure to never ever wear a short skirt?
I realize the answer to why it happens and why we respond the way we do is not an easy one and maybe there isn't a concrete answer. I would like to point out that for me it's deeply rooted in how we communicate with each other and I shouldn't feel uncomfortable when you communicate with me. The conversation has started and now I'm a part of it.
What are your thoughts on street harassment?
Here we are at Penn State.
