After meeting with a co-founder of HollaBack I was walking home and ecstatically explaining to a friend on my cell phone how well my interview went and how excited I was to get involved in the group. While deeply engaged in this phone conversation, this guy finds it appropriate to ask, or tell me "Hey baby, come hang out with us", ignoring the fact that I look 14 and he looks 70. While I've heard much more disturbing comments and usually blow this nonsense off, this guys body language was enough on its own as he tried stopping me in my tracks, literally. Quickly I said to my friend I'll call you back, knowing that I needed to get this pigs picture. Getting my camera ready, I turned back towards this guy and his friend and politely said "Just let me take your picture" to which he happily responded with this pose. "Thanks", I said, "HollaBack, H-o-l-l-a BACK. Check out your face on the website!" To this he sarcastically responded "Well come back so I can give you a better picture". I kept walking and with a smile and confidence this time for I knew he was confused and nervous, most likely wondering where his face was being posted and who would see it. Living in New York for more than five years and experiencing the most disturbing acts of harassment, I always walked away pissed off with the feeling of being violated and helpless or tried blowing it off while thinking to myself, 'don't let this guy get to you'. Now I don't have to! Now I can HOLLA BACK! and rightly so.
Submitted by Lisa (our newest member!)
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