Journalist Writes Twitter Thread About Being Harassed On A Bus And How Other Male Passengers Took It So Casually. Story Of Our Lives!
Women being harassed in public places is unfortunately nothing new. As a woman, I can promise you that any and every woman that I have spoken to so far has told me of the multiple experiences that have had with being groped, held, catcalled and sometimes even worse. And you know what’s worse? most of us discuss this over a meal like it is a casual dinner conversation topic. If you think that this is an exaggeration please read this Twitter thread by journalist Smitha TK who has just given an account of her horrifying experience with being harassed while travelling in a bus with majorly male passengers.
Smitha starts her thread by talking about how she has usually felt safe despite travelling alone. However, she then says that the experience she had on the bus changed that.
For the past 10 years, I've traveled by public transport & I often tells my friends how safe I feel though I travel alone all the time. But it is days like today when I realize I am wrong. Some men do think it is okay to grab a woman's legs as she is sleeping in an overnight bus
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
She further talked about how a man in his 30s who is also a co-passenger made her uncomfortable by creepily smiling at her even through the curtains on the bus! He then grabbed her legs at 3 AM (this is so jarring to even write about, can’t imagine how scared she felt). When she looked at him, he acted nonchalantly and kept smiling at her, what a creep!
This 30 yr old man was staring and smiling weirdly the entire time. Even though the curtains were drawn I noticed his glance a couple of times. At 3am he grabbed the legs & even after I looked, he didn't flinch. He just stared back with a creepy smile, like he was coming for more
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
After Smitha shouted at him for what he did, he didn’t even look guilty. The bus had 10 men aboard out of which 2 came to find out what was going on. One of the passengers said that he funded this man’s ticket and tried to act as if non-consensually being grabbed at 3 AM isn’t weird at all
I shouted him asking why he thought it was okay to touch another woman & not even feel any remorse or regret. The bus had just 10 other men traveling in it & 2 of them asked what happened. But that's it. He continues to lie down in the berth next to me while I nervously type this
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
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A man just told me that he had funded this guy's ticket as he didn't have any money. And so since he didn't know about him, I should let it go. Another man: 'Only held her leg. Nothing else happened?' The conductor has informed the bus owner (don't know what good that's gonna do)
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
The man’s berth was changed and Smitha was asked to not tell anybody about this incident. Which is so disgusting!
He has been made to switch berths. When I told I am a journalist, (had to pull the card to ensure minimum security), conductor requested I make no deal about this & that they'll take care of it. Every horror story I've read about a woman traveling alone is flashing in front of me
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
This is the sad reality for so many women,
Another woman. Another day. Another man. Thought the men on the bus will question him. He should be removed from the bus & handed over to the cops to speak some sense into him. But honestly I am scared cos this bus only has men. Sadly being grateful that that is all that happened
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
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For everyone saying – shout, create a scene, drag him out. I did shout, I spoke sense, I informed everyone on the bus. And this is all the reaction that I got. I dont want another woman feeling this way. But don't think the 10 other men have any idea how it feels to sleep in fear
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
Smitha is absolutely right. It is criminal how men don’t understand why women are so worried all the time,
Dear men, when you walk, run, sit or stand, you never are worried about the female gaze. Cos of some of you, it feels like a hellfire everyday & it is shameful that men think they are entitled. Do you know how long it takes to overcome trauma & be strong? Sometimes never.
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
Why everyday ordeals need to be addressed:
1. Men should be punished & taught that this is an equal world.
2. Spectators should stand up against crime perpetrated by their own sex. Today it is me, tomorrow could be your sister.This is #TamilNadu which is supposedly safe!
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 30, 2022
The fact that he got off at the same stop! Luckily, Smitha was safe!
Thank you for your kind words. I've reached safe. Conductor told me, 'Don't tell your family or anyone about this. I've informed the owner of the bus.' Told him that's none of his business. The abuser got off at the same stop & smilingly left. So glad I had family to pick me up.
— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) March 31, 2022
I recently took my first solo trip and one of the things I kept appreciating about the trip was that I didn’t feel uncomfortable at any point. That is how low the bar is for women to be content in this society! And moreover, the fact that even the bare minimum isn’t being met here.
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