As a somewhat attractive young woman who often likes to walk, jog, and hike alone, I feel like I’ve had to become an expert at “the bitch face”. I have learned to put off the “don’t talk to me” vibe and always keep an imaginary bubble of space between myself and men I may pass. And I HATE it. But sadly it’s something I’ve developed out of necessity.
I’m naturally a very friendly and talkative person, but I find even accidentally catching the gaze of a man invites him to chat and flirt with me. So eyes front is my best bet. The only time I intentionally look at a man is if I sense there’s a danger of him entering my safety bubble. In my experience, men quickly become intimidated by a woman who confidently stares back at them. It’s my way of saying “I see you and I’m not afraid of you. Keep your comments to yourself and stay the fuck out of my bubble.” It often works. But obviously I can’t always be on my guard and don’t always anticipate or control when I will be harassed.
For me, the straw that broke the camel’s back and gave me the final push I needed to develop this poster, was a day when I was harassed while attempting to clean out the trunk of my car. It was one of those days where I wanted to be invisible – no makeup, hair in a ponytail, dressed in cotton pants and a plain t-shirt. But within the 60-90 seconds I was positioned at the trunk of my car that was parked along the street, 2 different cars drove past from which men shouted sexual comments. I was pissed.
I should have the right to go about my daily business and not feel like a sexual object who’s only job on this earth is being eye candy for men.