An awareness has been building in recent years, one that highlights how the experiences of most, if not all, women intersect when it comes to not feeling safe in public at some point in their lives.
If you speak to any woman on the street, she could likely tell you about a time she pretended to be on the phone with her mom, when she faked a boyfriend to slip away from a persistent stranger, or when she walked to her car, heart in her throat and keys pointed out like weapons between her knuckles.
The men in our lives who want to help keep us safe are often at a loss as to how to do that, aside from doing their best to simply be better in their own lives, but the actions of one man has gotten attention – and sparked discussion – online and beyond.
Image Credit: Buzzfeed
The guy in question is TikTok personality @thebrandonrobert, and when he spotted a woman at the mall being made uncomfortable by a man who “appeared to be intoxicated or on drugs,” he wasn’t sure exactly what he should do.
He did think she looked scared, though, and so he approached her, pretending they were friends in order to extricate her from the situation.
Image Credit: TikTok
After making eye contact with her a few times, he approached her with a familiar greeting, which she returned. Then they discussed an imaginary aunt that was also at the mall, and agreed to go and talk to her together.
She thanked him for helping her as they walked away, saying that he wouldn’t leave her alone and he was creeping her out.
Image Credit: TikTok
The comments on the video seem to point to the fact that many women would like having help like this in awkward or potentially dangerous situations.
Men who want to do something, to be better allies, should stay alert and pay attention to what’s going on around them – because there’s a good chance that it won’t be long until they catch a dude behaving badly.
@thebrandonrobert She was so thankful 🥺🥺
Don’t let them get away with it, and when and if you can, help the woman in the scenario, too.
Stand up guy, this one. Even if he did make me type “TikTok personality” at the top of this article.
If you’re a woman, sound off in the comments – is this intervention something you would appreciate? Tell us why or why not down below!
