In the wake of the recent clown sightings around the country, something has been on my mind. Although most of these sightings are no more than a prank by some bored teenager looking to scare people, there’s a more serious issue surrounding these sightings. When it originated, claims of clowns attempting to lure people into the woods were heard across the nation. Many memes were created, jokes were made, and people blew it off. Then it started spreading. Videos of clowns chasing people wielding knives quickly became viral and spread fear into those who heard that clowns were in their cities. But the reality of all of these scares is that there is a real fear shared by women across the nation. A fear brought on by countless stories of abduction, rape, and murder of women told by movies, documentaries, and news stories. This fear needs to be addressed.

When the news broke on campus that clowns had been spotted wandering around, I was studying late at the library. Friends called and texted to inform me, knowing I had been there by myself. However, in a group text between several of my friends, things escalated, making me realize that too many people try to downplay the fear that lingers in the backs of women’s minds every day. It hurt me to find out that some of the people I trusted the most thought so little about my biggest fears. Making jokes and telling me and the other girls in the group that we had nothing to worry about concerned me. How many other people think this way? How am I supposed to trust them to be there when I need someone?

At first, I thought I might’ve been overreacting. After all, they make jokes all the time. But it kept going, and I kept getting more upset and angry. Here’s the deal, though: every time I go outside at night by myself, I feel uneasy and unsafe. I am constantly on edge, always holding pepper spray, praying nothing happens as I walk a little faster than normal to my car. I myself like to think I’m a strong individual, but being a mere five feet tall automatically makes me vulnerable when I’m alone. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. After talking to many other women, I found that this is a common occurrence. It saddens me that I have to take so many precautions because of the world we live in now. And yet some of the men in my life still believe there is no real threat to my safety.

To those that think this way, I have a few words for you. Do not try to downplay the legitimacy of my fears just because you do not experience the same thing as I do. I can’t speak for all men, but the risk they face while walking alone at night is nothing compared to what women face. Though fear may not be on the forefront of my mind every time I’m alone at night, it does rest in the back of my mind. That unsettling feeling that something terrible could happen to me solely because I am a woman is not something men experience, and it seems that all too often, especially now, that this is not viewed as a big deal like it should be.

Ladies and gentlemen, we live in a world where women are afraid to be alone when the sun goes down, and nothing is being done about it. Something needs to change. What I've noticed from the late nights I've spent at the library is that women that don't know each other will come together and ensure each other's safety. This brings an incredible amount of joy to my heart to know that someone has my back, even if they don't know me. For a few minutes and a short walk, we don't have to be afraid.