tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167286824441717563.post8160923842485394726..comments2019-03-14T05:54:39.311-07:00Comments on runa shimita maskauni: quick notes from the fieldrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842454535072476245noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167286824441717563.post-18096885566060872652012-05-24T19:56:48.679-07:002012-05-24T19:56:48.679-07:00Thanks for the input, guys. I haven't asked an...Thanks for the input, guys. I haven't asked anyone outright about this because I feel like a big factor is probably the fact that I'm white and therefore clearly foreign-- also I don't know how to word a question without sounding like an annoying girl: "what do I doooo? all of these men are pursuing me, it's such a hassle!" haha. Also I don't see this happening to other women around, even when young and beautiful and provocatively dressed (sorry for the term, short skirts and visible bras are mainly what I mean). <br /><br><br><br />But it seems the appropriate response is not to pay any attention to them, or even better to laugh about it. Of course that's easier when I'm sitting with Luisa and she laughs and shakes her head at the men driving past staring than when I'm walking alone.<br /><br><br>PS Sarah, I have heard Italy is particularly terrible for that, I don't know personally but I'm sure it was rough.rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08842454535072476245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167286824441717563.post-66685327074121775302012-05-09T13:34:21.755-07:002012-05-09T13:34:21.755-07:00Agreed with rem and Sarah. I'm feeling your p...Agreed with rem and Sarah. I'm feeling your pain a bit, too. I was whistled at on my way to church the other day, and men say things to me in French, and look at me quite blatantly, but there's not much I can do but ignore them. As a result, I may be misunderstanding a lot, and also getting myself out of good and bad situations. I think I'd be less guarded if I knew the language better, but until then--that's life. I do like the idea of meeting some women and possibly making it a bonding point. Asking them, "Hey--I'm a foreigner, and I have no idea what to do in this situation, would you give me a few pointers?" I don't know if that works, but I know looking vulnerable and uncertain in some situations (which Americans HATE doing) really just appears as humility to other people (which isn't so bad, but is a trait we have a few issues with). Loved the update. Can't wait to hear more.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692644516431682502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167286824441717563.post-57163631798672826902012-05-09T10:56:35.657-07:002012-05-09T10:56:35.657-07:00I agree with Rem and also feel your frustration. I...I agree with Rem and also feel your frustration. I bet that being in Italy as a woman was a lot more of a tamer (I'm not sure if that is the right word to be using) experience than being a woman in other places, though I still feel that I can connect. I had a much harder time meeting Roman women than men, who were more than willing to be friends--and most of the times, were more than willing to be something other than just friends. I remember being on the bus one day and being so exasperated with having to deal with some of the consequences of being an American woman in a different country, and just wondering how different the experience would be if I were a man. Meanwhile, I felt that a lot of the woman also saw me as an American woman who always wanted attention of men, and thus I felt like they withdrew from me as well. I'm not sure if that's how it actually was, but that is kind of how I felt. But the truth is, I couldn't change the fact that I was a woman from America. <br /><br />I'd take Rem's advice and maybe talk about it sensitively with some of the local women who you'll meet. It may be a way to form a friendship. Or just watch how other women act. It's an interesting point you have brought. You'll have to promise to tell me more about it later and tell me what you find!Sarah Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03332535763797347742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167286824441717563.post-60925769890166329382012-05-09T10:53:11.120-07:002012-05-09T10:53:11.120-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sarah Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03332535763797347742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167286824441717563.post-75995911117474592252012-05-08T18:54:57.203-07:002012-05-08T18:54:57.203-07:00I bet once you get to know some of the local women...I bet once you get to know some of the local women, they will help you break the gender barrier and teach you how to appropriately respond. Have you asked them about it? maybe it would open up an awesome conversation about their society and gender roles and result in the older women taking you under their wing or something to help you understand the acceptable role of a woman in that culture. Are you going to the festival? What if you went to a college near by. In all the Indian movies, the foreigners go make friends at the colleges, haha. Maybe that doesn't work in real life. But maybe it does. Is there anywhere you can volunteer to get to know people and maybe put together a small group?<br /><br />Don't give up! You are doing great! Your project will be awesome! I am so excited!remhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00331623041674858889noreply@blogger.com