from the perspective of eric p. (my gracious host in san francisco), my encounter on the muni transit line was unexpected and not indicative of ”normal” experiences in the city. i was given keen insight regarding objectification of women when an individual was staring at me (from a few feet away) on the muni platform while awaiting the next train. this individual then followed me onto the train and sat on the seat directly in front of mine with feet up on the seat, head turned back toward me, and hand creeping slowly over the back of the seat.
it takes alot of energy to ignore someone who is leering directly at you and i found it difficult to look away the whole time. i took a quick glance or two and found this person always staring me dead in the face with their hand still sliding over the seat. finding this situation in quick succession humorous, irritating,and slightly threatening i decided to just stand up and walk to a different seat entirely. the individual walked to the door in front of my new seat just before my destination and proceeded to start doing pull-ups.
i suppose this 20-something man was trying to make some sort of connection with me or pick me up. in hindsight i thought of many clever things to say or obscure or rude ways to diffuse the uncomfortable situation. these thoughts had failed me while i felt thrown off by my uneasiness and flustered nature at that time. this gentleman then sashayed toward the exit rather flamboyantly and bothered me no more.
this was not my only impression of san francisco, i also met some very genuine and interesting folks, had some great meals and coffee (farley’s), and was priced-gouged for a motorcycle battery by mr. friendly of wet rat motorcycles.
regardless, i plan on a return trip in the near future.