If you’ve ever walked down a public street as a woman, you’ve likely faced street harassment. One woman, who had an unsettling encounter on her way to the train station, decided to post a picture of her outfit to counter the common “you asked for it” remarks.
Jessica Collins wore brown tights, a parka, long boots, and a large scarf. Yet, none of that matters. Street harassment is never about a woman’s clothing; it’s fundamentally about power dynamics. It’s about someone invading your personal space, believing they have the right to dictate how you should respond.
“This is what I wore this morning at a busy subway station, and a man passing by remarked, ‘Wow, nice legs,’” Collins recounted. “When I ignored him and continued walking, he followed me, getting closer, and said, ‘Did you hear me, sweetheart? I said you have nice legs. Wow! Thanks!’”
What struck her most was the “thank you,” as if her covered legs were a gift for him to admire. Where does this entitlement come from, demanding a stranger engage with you on the street? Here’s a hint: it’s never acceptable to expect a response from someone you don’t know.
Women understand this unwritten rule. We don’t approach men with “compliments” and expect gratitude in return for our awkward interactions. What these men truly seek is not a conversation but rather a reaction—an acknowledgment of their so-called originality.
The relentless expectation that women must cater to a man’s fragile ego is exhausting and infuriating. This is why women are so tired of being harassed in public spaces.
“Next time you question whether your skirt is too short, or ask your daughter to change her clothes, or hear about school dress codes, remember this image,” Collins emphasizes. “I’m in a parka and boots. It. Doesn’t. Matter.”
Every time we dismiss concerns over dress code violations, we perpetuate the notion that women’s appearances are open for public scrutiny. Most of these so-called “violations” are ludicrous: a bare shoulder, a knee, or a visible bra strap. Yet we make a big deal of it, conditioning girls to believe their appearance invites scrutiny, harassment, and sometimes violence.
Next time you hear about a woman being harassed, or a teenager reprimanded for a dress code infraction, pay attention to your reaction. If your instinct is to say “not a big deal” or “she shouldn’t have worn that,” it’s time to reconsider. You could be sending a harmful message to your children.
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Summary: Jessica Collins shared her experience of street harassment after a man commented on her appearance while she was dressed conservatively. This incident highlights the issue of entitlement and the expectation for women to cater to men’s egos. Collins urges others to reconsider their responses to dress codes and harassment, emphasizing that women’s attire should not be subject to public judgment.