October 24, 2006
I KNEW THERE WAS A REASON
Some of my friends ask for it; some appreciate it; and some probably find it an unnecessary affected act of chivalry; but I generally make a practice of walking or cabbing female friends directly to their front doors late at night. I don't think it's irrational paranoia to fear for my friends' safety. It's a remote possibility, but every time I hear about some push-in rape, robbery, or murder, I shudder to think that it could be someone I let walk out of a door unaccompanied. NYC is safe, certainly, but it's not completely safe.
Late last week I was taking the subway home at a relatively late or early hour, depending on how one looks at it. My iPod's battery was dead so I got to eavesdrop on other people's conversations. Actually, eavesdropping wasn't completely necessary as the conversation, as it were, was pretty loud. A group of young men got on the train downtown and surrounded a young woman trying to read a book. Not-so-subtle flirtation quickly descended to abject crudeness and aggressiveness. These guys were clearly drunk and the girl eventually stood up and moved to the seat across from mine, looking a little shaken. Catcalls ensued and eventually she looked over at me. I mouthed "Are you okay?" and she moved to the seat next to me. I guess I have a trustworthy face. The catcalls then died down, despite my completely unimposing stature, but cowards are cowards. When her stop came up I asked her if she wanted me to walk her home and she answered only if those other guys get off the train here. I stood up with her at the door as if we were leaving together and shot a look at the morons. They were watching but not moving, so I let her get off by herself and I sat back down.
Over the past ten years, NYC has achieved one of the lowest violent crime rates per capita in the U.S. That doesn't immunize individuals from the inevitable victimization of a criminal act. I know this isn't fair, but hot girls in short skirts should not ride the subway alone at night. That's not a judgement on demeanor or action, just a pragmatic piece of advice. There are freaks out in the city. I see them more than I'd like. And that's why I walk my female friends to their doorsteps.
Tagged:Posted by Lexiphane at October 24, 2006 6:38 PM
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