Self-Reflection on Handling Harassment During a Bus Journey

This reflective paper examines an individual's encounter with harassment while traveling by bus. The author describes the incident of being touched inappropriately by a stranger despite having her husband nearby for support. This experience prompts a deep self-reflection on personal strengths and weaknesses, especially in responding to disrespectful behavior in public settings. Throughout the narrative, there is an emphasis on cultural differences, ethical conduct, and gender dynamics. The writer considers how societal norms shape reactions to harassment and highlights the importance of having supportive figures during such incidents. Ultimately, the reflection culminates with a decision to report the harasser to authorities, illustrating a commitment to addressing and preventing similar situations in the future.

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REFLECTIVE BLOG – AN EXAMINED LIFE
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A self-reflection is made to examine one’s work and the way they approach other people
and situations in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. It helps one to understand how
they can correct themselves for further development. This paper features my encounter with a
stranger on a bus as I was traveling from town to home.
I was traveling from town to home with my husband when we boarded a bus. Unfortunately,
we were not able to sit next to one another as it would be our wish. I normally ponder myself an
expert in dealing with the so-called silly and disrespectable men who take women for granted. I sat
next to about a 40-year old man who moved a bit to allow me to have enough sitting space since the
bus was almost full and I had no alternative. He seemed welcoming and a professional man little did
I know the other side of him due to my ignorance but I thanked him. He hallowed at me while
smiling and I could not resist the greeting nor ignore the smile. I remembered one day being told by
my mother not to be smiling at strangers because this might be assumed to be an invitation I do not
wish to offer or a conversation which is not of my interest. I tried employing some appropriate
reasons to keep the stranger off and at a social distance but he was too hard to resist. The man shove
his hand towards my crotch area and grabbed my hand and positioned his face very close to mine.
I felt like slapping the man’s cheeks but I remembered that I had my man on the bus who
would stand for my situation in case things get worse. This paralyzed my body a bit with much
perplexity while trembles of fear ran down my body. Several questions ran through my mind; who
is this? What is he doing? Why is this happening? I finally gained strength and shook him off me
while shouting at him, “Stop it, you idiot!” My man was seated just behind me who suddenly
grabbed the uncanny man by his neck and threw him out of the bus which had just halted. The doors
were shut and we drove away. I was left shivering and wondering how such a scenario has had to
happen to me at such a time. A lady next to me asked me if I was okay and I nodded in affirmation.
She asked me what was wrong with the man and I answered while smiling that I did not even know
as I tried to calm down the weird encounter and avoid attention.

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I did not know anything about the man who touched me but I am sure that he did not know
that I had my “security” tight with me - my husband, who was able to throw him off the bus. This
experience freaked out throughout the week. However, had I not have some extra support besides
me, my reactions would have been stronger and quicker enough to draw attention or maybe not. I
found it awkward to have a man breach my personal space by touching me and this was totally
questionable. Otherwise, in such moments, it is not easy to predict one’s response. Life teaches us a
lot and makes us experience a lot as a result of our cultural differences. Some people fail to
understand that others stand by their principles and act in a manner that is ethically right and correct
before people. Other people are culture or religious bound and do not entertain unethical acts as in
the case of this man, to ethically upfront people this can be viewed immoral. No one should touch
other people’s private parts without their consent; this must be avoided at all terms. I felt much
offended and formed a negative attitude towards men from this experience.
A research has shown that various women experience worse encounters with strangers while
on board even than mine and they just remain silent. From my experience, I am thinking of
submitting the description of the man who harassed me and the details of the bus to the relevant
transport police to take actions against such incidences.