I was on my way to school and I was stopped at the light on I-5 and March Lane. Annoyed I had missed my green light, I looked around to distract myself from my frustrations. I noticed a woman on the corner waiting to cross the street. She grabbed my attention because she was holding a large radio, what we called “boom box” back in the 80’s. She had her music blaring, and she was dancing to the beat. I found this act initially refreshing. At the moment, she was enjoying life and not concerning herself what others thought of her. The woman was probably in her mid-40’s, of mixed race (African-American and Caucasian), she wore a tank top with overall jean shorts. She noticeably allowed the hair in her armpits to grow long. Her hair was in a natural state, by that I mean, she allowed her shoulder length hair uncombed. I appreciated I had found a positive scene to bring me down from my irritation.
When the crosswalk light was green, she would cross right in front of my vehicle. I kept watch of her and the drivers of the other cars as she passed in front of them. People frowned and shook their heads with disapproval as she crossed. She noticed I was not only watching, but I was also smiling. At this point, I am nodding my head up and down to demonstrate I was also listening. Her smile grew. She stopped at the corner, which is now on my driver’s side of my car. She yells out, “You like that s$@#?!” I continue to smile and bop my head. Then her demeanor changed. She became aggressive. She yelled out, ” Open your mouth! I’ll give you that s$@#!” She is now opening her mouth wide, sticking her fingers into her mouth, and then wiggling her fingers towards me suggesting she stick her fingers into my mouth.
The expressions of the other drivers were that of disapproval. Her loud music, dancing in public, and possibly the long armpit hairs were not approved by others. What attracted me to this behavior is the fact I do the very same thing in my own yard when I’m gardening, mowing, or watering. People passing by will find it amusing when I’m behaving in the same manner. I will be caught up in my music blaring in my ears because I have headphones on. I understand what it is like to get caught up in the music and forget about your surroundings. However, when I notice people watching me prancing around, I abruptly stop.I become embarrassed. I get smiles and thumbs up when I am caught in such acts. But I am in my own yard whereas this woman was on a public street.
Once she began making gestures and suggestions about her fingers, then I was not comfortable. The scenario was now weird to me and she was crazy. When a person wants to impose into my personal space even through suggestion, in a sexual way, I am no longer interested in giving my attention. It didn’t matter that she is a woman, I would have felt the same way if it were a man.
LifesWeeds 