The View from a Drawbridge

The other night at around 3 am I was sitting alone here at work in my tiny little building minding my own business while most of the city slept. I keep the shades drawn because I don’t want people to know I’m a female alone. I also keep the door locked. But that didn’t stop someone from sneaking up here and pounding on the window and letting out a blood curdling scream.

I nearly soiled myself. And when I peeked out, sure enough it was a teenage boy, laughing as he ran away. It almost always is a teenage boy, isn’t it, when something stupid happens? They seem to leave their brains in a box on a shelf somewhere until they get to be about 25 years old. They don’t think about consequences.

I work with several old codgers with weak hearts who might not have survived that practical joke. Most people would understand that and therefore not do it. Most people.

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, in the United States overall crime is disproportionately committed by males. And young people aged 16 to 24 commit the most crimes.

Speaking from experience, our crime rates here in Jacksonville skyrocket when the Navy ships are in port. Why? They’re full of boys in that age group.

I have no use for males between 16 and 24. None. I didn’t have any use for them even when I was in that age group myself.

The other day I was at a stop light and an African-American young man walked my way. I locked my door. He took note. He looked hurt. I’m sure he gets that a lot. I’m sure he thought I was being racist. Nope. If anything I was being sexist and ageist. I did the very same thing to a white boy the day before.

And you know what? I’ll keep doing it. I don’t care whose feelings I hurt or what people think of me. I am going to put my safety above your feelings every single time. I know there are some good kids out there. No doubt about it. But when it comes to my person and my property, I don’t care if you’re a Mormon Missionary out to save my soul. I’m going to err on the side of caution and avoid you. And you should encourage your mother and your sister to do the same.

Come see me when you’ve grown up a little, son. Then maybe we can be friends.

[Image credit: examiner.com]