What no man will ever understand at this point and
never will if we keep going the way we are
is that there is an extra domain of work
for a woman in the world.
an extra domain for a woman in the world who wants to remain human(e)
———————————————–
Domain of Negotiation
regarding the intentions of the man
who says hello to me on the street.
where are they looking are they a threat Are they being friendly
because they want to fuck me Don’t be too nice
don’t look in eyes too long heavens sake don’t smile to(o) [much]
But
are they actually just being friendly
wanting a real but brief experience of human(e) connection the way I want
the way it should be could be?
Don’t be mean. Smile warmly hold gaze return greeting they
were being nice take the kindness at face value
But
don’t look back as you pass because you may catch them staring at your ass and slam that open heart shut again and again and again and again and again and again and again and
——————————————
Domain of Picking Out My Outfit
for the day beyond considerations
of appearance
and practicality.
Is this too tight/bright/cleavagy/curve hugging/classy/attention drawing
will they think I’m attractive in this and
whistle/grab/honk/scream/follow/assault/rape me in it will they rape me will they rape me
will they rape me today?
Better
take it off if you have to ask.
But
I am strong and empowered and own my body and I don’t want to expect the worst and
Oprah says I should be able to wear what I want and
I love this dress/skirt/shorts/shirt that I bought and
I want to look nice I deserve to look nice I feel good looking nice
But
Don’t get raped. Take it off.
Put the baggy trousers on again again again again again again again again again again
——————————
Domain of Travel
as a
woman in the world.
What time is it?
Do I have enough time
to adjust my route
so that I can
avoid that man on the bench that construction crew that guy with the dog those teenagers the park the angry one spewing violence at rejection that one with white car that followed me running that neighbourhood the one who tried to grab me last week pub with people spilling out all over the street
Should I uber/taxi/find a hostel so I don’t get whistled at/followed/grabbed/
raped
Are my friends leaving I should go too
so I don’t walk home alone at night alone at night alone at night don’t walk alone at night
Alone at night.
And
Do I have my mace/whistle/keys firmly in knuckle
am I ok to run in these shoes/this outfit/with this bag if I need to
is my phone charged so I can call for help if I need to
is my voice okay to scream scream scream scream scream scream scream scream
If I need to ––
when I need to
over and over again and again and again and again and again and again and again and
Actress Academic 