Sophia, after your last post I was thinking about this phenomenon. I'm also fat, and I think that perceptions are that we wouldn't be so sensitive since we're not so often accosted. Unfortunately, since being fat makes you a target, I think maybe we get a higher percentage of unflattering to threatening comments, so we're automatically threatened just like the pretty, skinny young things.

Isn't it nice we have something to bond over? t /sarcasm

Like that tag ever closes.

And I figure when it's a woman by herself not responding to a greeting at the park or wherever (I customarily say hi to everyone I pass), she's likely to be doing it out of prudence rather than distaste for my presence specifically.

Or a transplanted northerner! I'm pretty sure someone tried to say hi to me on the street like that recently, and I just didn't notice until it was too late to respond, because I Do Not look at people in public. (I believe this is also to blame for the fact that I hardly ever saw anyone famous in NYC....)

Because of the lack of public transportation, it happens to me far less in LA than it did in Boston. We're all in our car cocoons. When I was walking up and down the street to deal with my car issues, I was startled by the first catcall, it hadn't happened in such a long time. And then I said, "oh yeah, this is how it is."

The weirdest comment I have ever gotten (and I have received this multiple times from different men) is that "I look like I would be a good provider". And I tend to relate it to being fat, white and wearing business appropriate clothes, which is rather rare on the public transportation system I am using. Or I am just being too sensitive.

I also tried to bond with the guys, because in my sheltered life before public transportation, the worst that happened to me was random calls from cars telling me I was fat (thanks for the update! I hadn;t noticed!)

Yo, Is This Racist? posted my question!

I've been listening to Beastie Boys in my car the last few days, inspired by you.

They freak a funky beat like the shit was in a blender.

(nudges Sophia about the typo. My first job involved keeping the 'l' in public, and I can't help myself.)

People suck. Buffistas do not. That is what I'm taking from this discussion. Also, Allyson is wise.

By the way, you just proved you are plenty polished. You have major social skills. To quote a phrase you once used to describe someone this did not apply to, you were not "raised in a crate like veal".

You were asked for an opinion, and you answered honestly. It happened to be different from the opinion of the person who asked the question. That does not make you unpolished. You just are not slimy. You don't tell people whatever they want to hear, regardless of whether or not it is true.

That is a plus, not a minus. I think you have a good chance at the job, and if they don't want you, it is their loss not any flaw in you.

Aargh! I have issues with L, O & P due to an unfortunate wine spillage issue!

Allyson, that's a great way of putting it.

OMG I love y'all. Y'all are awesome.