Waiting on the world to change

As a woman, I have felt for my safety more regularly than one ever should. My stories however are no different to any woman I know. I do not go out seeking danger, nor do I wish to accept this as a way of life anymore, but hey what can I do? I have walked to my car, holding my car keys as a weapon, making a sudden movement to face the person behind me to ensure they know “I’ve seen their face”, I have walked with 000 ready on speed dial, just in case. I have walked with groups of strangers to appear part of the pack and have genuinely ran to get to where I need too although I am not at all dramatising these situations, I have honestly been utterly terrified. From a very young age, I remember learning that men would call out of cars, off work sites, in shopping centres about my body such as my breasts, legs or butt. I learnt that although I find it not ok in the slightest, that society tells me to accept this as a compliment as well as adding that obviously if I wear a skirt or a shirt that may “enhance” these features, that I am obviously asking for it, and hey if anything happens to me, well what can you do expect? I’ve also learnt there is the finest of fine lines between gently appreciating their snide comments and moving along as fast as your legs will carry you, or plainly telling them where to shove it, and although my stubborn and self righteous persona would love to give them a piece of my mind, I know that I’m risking a hell of a lot for an opinion that they obviously care nothing about. So what does this all lead too? Well I have recently found out I am having a son. What is a very exciting time, is also a time for reflection. A time for me to think “what do I want to teach this little one” and the thoughts I keep coming back to, are I never ever want my son, to make anyone feel the way so many of the male population have made me feel. I never want my son yelling sexual slurs from cars, or across streets, I want him to respect women and their bodies as well as their rights and know that if he has the privilege to be with someone, that it is exactly that, a privilege and not a right. Society certainly needs to change and finally I see how I can add a little something to better this world. Peace and love unicorns.