Sexism in Newport: Town Unsafe for the Twentysomethings That Fondly Call It Home

[editor's note: The Newport Buzz wrote a rebuttal here] 

I've lived in Newport since George Bush was president. I love to call this city by the sea my home, as it has been for the best years of my life.

But there's an underbelly.

The age bracket the city thrives on (Generation Y), is inherently unsafe for its female inhabitants.

As a twenty-three year old woman, I can't walk to work without expecting street harassment. I can't go to a bar without the fear of a fifty year old man sitting next to me and chanting demeaning and derogatory terms.

I can't call the police when the aforementioned gentleman throws glass cups at my sandaled feet and expect any sort of protection or resolution.

It doesn't exist. In Newport, it's okay for the drunk sailor-bros to treat women like blow up dolls. We make eighty cents on your dollar. What do we know?

Over the past fifty years women became the primary gender to obtain degrees in higher education. Particularly in Newport, not only are women much more concerned with education than men, but also the only ones who go to work. 

This sad phenomenon does not make the city inherently unsafe for women; it does, however, create and perpetuate a culture of male entitlement. That entitlement should end when it comes to a woman's body. But it doesn't.

Just saying "no" doesn't work when you're not heard. My $120,000 education doesn't humanize me in this town. So long as I'm out alone or with other female friends I'm viewed as property. Take me. I'm for sale. No worth.

While I know that's not what the public education system teaches, (what exactly does it teach?) that's the outcome.

The long term effects translate into an impossible-to-break cycle of: drunkenness, revictimization and a consistent affirmation of worthlessness. 

Fundamentally, this environment breeds a culture that's abusive but familiar. It's dangerous to be a woman in this town because it's easy to drown.

And there's no one to help you.

(Disclaimer: Please don't email me and tell me I deserve to be treated poorly. I'm aware that I look like Snooki, so please don't comment on my appearance. I shouldn't have to "move away" due to the reductive actions of others, either. Please treat me like a human. Thanks.)