In conversations, we discussed with strangers that women and girls are not the only targets of gender based street harassment. Trans and non gender conforming people often encounter street harassment, and research shows that when they do - it tends to be more aggressive and violent. Crystal’s poster, “Stop Gender Policing,” provoked conversations about the ways in which gender expression and sexuality shape experiences with street harassment. Nina Lyricspect, a teaching artist who joined the community engagement efforts said her highlight was taking the message to the subway where dozens of passengers shared a “roar in applause and agreement with our cause.” Nina was gathered by community members from Hollaback Philly, GALS, FAAN Mail, the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement and several male allies. The subway ride was an opportunity to create dialogue around ads recently launched by Hollaback Philly. Already the ads have caught national attention, but we wanted to engage people on the trains about the messages…. During the week of street harassment efforts, many women of color were simultaneously resisting Universal Music Group artist, Rick Ross, who boasted on a track about date rape…. Public figures like Rosa Clemente helped galvanize public outrage which led Rick Ross to tell his fans in a radio interview that his lyrics didn’t “condone rape” arguing that his words were misinterpreted. As public outrage grew it became more organized. Ultra Violet launched a petition calling on Reebok to drop Rick Ross as their spokesperson. After 90,000 signatures, a direct action at the Reebok stores and a series of articles, blogs and video responses on the internet, Reebok finally dropped Ross on April 12. That same day, Ross issued a more thoughtful apology, affirming that his lyric did indeed promote the drugging and sexual assault of women. While the Reebok success was a small win, we are reminded that this is ultimately bigger than Rick Ross and the companies, (i.e. Ciroc) that still support him. We are operating in a corporate media landscape that routinely promotes and glorifies rape culture. When rape culture is promoted through media it reinforces the painful power dynamics that Mari talked about, where oppressed people cut each other down in order to regain some dignity and power. These harmful media messages both reflect and shape our lived experience, including our experiences with street harassment. “I need the streets and airwaves to not prey on my 6-year-old niece,” shared Nina during our community engagement efforts….” As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, the struggle continues. We will continue to resist rape culture, and the ways in which it manifests in media and in our everyday lives. Remaining silent and patiently waiting for change is not an option. We want change now. #EndSHWeek 2013
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