Another day… another strange tram experience… I spend way too many hours of my week on the 57 tram and, of all the tram routes I have lived on (including St Kilda and Fitzroy!), I can definitely say it is the craziest.
I am no stranger to weird public transport encounters because I have one of those faces that says “pick me to harass or ask for money”. It really doesn’t bother me because I most of these people are mentally ill or drug affected and just need a little help or someone to listen to them.
The other day a young man, who was mostly likely under the influence of drugs, decided he didn’t like me. So he proceeded to spend 15 minutes screaming abuse at me. He called me every name under the sun and made threats against me without even taking a breath. Apparently everything about me from my clothes, sun glasses and hair bothered him and he let me know, interspersed with a lot of ‘F’ and ‘C’ words.
I was relieved when I finally came to my stop and got off the tram because it was getting a bit embarrassing. When AJ got home I told him what had happened and some of the crazy names this guy had called me. AJ’s response made me laugh, he said:
AJ: “Did he call you fat?”
ME: “No he didn’t actually”
AJ: “Well that’s good then isn’t it!”
I guess I should be thankful for small mercies!!!
Of course he didn't call you fat - you're not anymore!
ReplyDeleteThere is a girl who travels on my bus sometimes who has Tourette's. It is so incredibly sad to see/hear her, but I can't help but feel disturbed - and desperately try to look ahead and get off the bus as soon as possible in the hope I won't be her target!
xx
that's such a guy response haha. I don't know what would be worse being called fat or everything else ...
ReplyDeletelol. AJ made a good point.
ReplyDeleteYou need to wear your "FUCK THE HELL OFF" face more on public transport (kinda like a death stare on steroids). Also, the minute someone annoys you, just get up and move - with purpose. Don't be tentative or show any weakness, they pick up on it and feed off it. My friend was followed off the train (in the dark!) by a guy who wouldn't stop harassing her. Luckily for her a guy stepped in and helped her. She soon learnt how to nip that kind of shit in the bud before it got out of hand.
Hahahaha. I'd be secretly quite pleased he didn't yell that nugget out in front of everyone! Silver lining indeed!
ReplyDeleteBrooke - I used to read your blog all the time! I miss it!
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