Is It Really That Bad?

It's not as bad as we make it out to be, they say...

It is an obligation to share our location when commuting alone.
We are taught to endure and ignore the compliments they are kind enough to give us loud and clear in the streets.
Forever to be the damsel in distress.

But it's not as bad as we make it out to be, they say...

We become tense and more alert when one of them sits next to us in commutes,
Sirens going off in our heads.
There are thousands of rubber eyes and speeches of our prideful culture,
When two lovers are showing consensual affection in public,
But the very same crowd turns a blind eye,
When it's clearly not with consent.
Thousands are ready to comment about our attire,
But none are ready to defend us against actual live malice.

But still, it's not as bad as we make it out to be, they say…

Without looking for a knight in shining armour to defend us,
We would stand up for ourselves.
Say no, leave us alone.
Then the perps will take note of us, we are taught,
More unwanted eyes would turn to us,
They will track us,
And then will follow the kidnapping, stabbing, shooting, or acid attacks.
Overthinking gone to an extreme you say?
But history shows otherwise.

What are we to do?

Ignore, don't give a reaction, and be safe out there.

But if we don't react to the harm, defend ourselves...
How are we supposed to stay safe?
As Newton discovered,
A reaction is sure to follow an action.
Don't want the reaction? Stop the action.
That's how it works,
Not the other way around.

If it's not as bad as we make it out to be, we'd say,

A bus ride or a train ride would be simple.
Nothing to worry about even if they break down.
When work goes on till late and it gets dark.
It would be okay.
Nothing to worry about even if there's no one to watch our backs.

If this becomes the reality one day, then we'd drop it.
But till then,

Don't you dare say that it's not bad as we make it out to be.