Certainly Not Stroudsburg if You're Female, Minority, and a Runner (live, safe)

[Cityeda]

I've been working near Stroudsburg for about 8 month on a contract project. Like many runners, I hate treadmills and enjoy a long leisurely run in nature or on a lonely road. In all my 7 years of running in Chicago (where I live), I have NEVER been harrassed, called derogatory names, nor nearly run off the road. And I run in a city with MILLIONS of people and cars. But in the mere 1 month that I have taken advantage of the nice weather, I have already been harrassed three times. Stroudsburg is simply unfriendly to women runners, especially if they're alone, and especially if they are minorities. This backwards area is never going to get a influx of interesting people if it keeps being represented by its fratty close-minded population.

[NYRangers 2008]

Welcome to NEPA. It is what it is.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

I am surprised to hear that especially in the Stroudsburg area - that areas has a more diversified population. Sorry that you had to endure that abuse - but I can tell you there are many things here that are not right. But as NY Rangers said, nothing, I mean nothing surprises me up here.

[NYRangers 2008]

Originally Posted by TheHighHat

I am surprised to hear that especially in the Stroudsburg area - that areas has a more diversified population. Sorry that you had to endure that abuse - but I can tell you there are many things here that are not right. But as NY Rangers said, nothing, I mean nothing surprises me up here.

I was thinking that too about the Stroudsburg area with the high influx of NY and NJ people. No one should endure that abuse, but I'm thinking it's like that throughout our country. People don't have the morals and principles like the generations before us. I see it everywhere, people seem to be less classy and have lesser values than ever before.

[The Commish]

Originally Posted by NYRangers 2008

People don't have the morals and principles like the generations before us.

...

Older generations always say that about the younger generations. But I don't think the racism Cityeda experienced in the Stroudsburg area is the result of declining moral values. If anything, racism is on the decline in this country. As we enter yet another decade, the 2010's, it's less and less socially acceptable to be racist. The racism of generations past is absolutely horrifying in comparison.

[NYRangers 2008]

Originally Posted by The Commish

...

Older generations always say that about the younger generations. But I don't think the racism Cityeda experienced in the Stroudsburg area is the result of declining moral values. If anything, racism is on the decline in this country. As we enter yet another decade, the 2010's, it's less and less socially acceptable to be racist. The racism of generations past is absolutely horrifying in comparison.

I wasn't specifically speaking about racism being the result of declining moral values. I was talking about the decline of morals and values in this country in general, whether I see it in whites or blacks or whatever race. People in general these days don't seem to treat others or themselves with respect and class. It seems to be a whole different mindset of everyone these days. It's hard to explain, I just feel it in everyday life.

[Cityeda]

Originally Posted by TheHighHat

I am surprised to hear that especially in the Stroudsburg area - that areas has a more diversified population. Sorry that you had to endure that abuse - but I can tell you there are many things here that are not right. But as NY Rangers said, nothing, I mean nothing surprises me up here.

Thanks for the sympathy. I actually had pretty high hopes for the area since on my last run, I saw a police escorted march against date rape (which showed me at least the local authorities cared enough to a) let the march happen and b) protect its participants.) I was running on Dreher road in Stroudsburg near the Glen Brook Country Club, which seemed like the picture of manicured suburb. I felt pretty safe in the area which is why this incident was so shocking to me.

[mattjd]

Originally Posted by Cityeda

I've been working near Stroudsburg for about 8 month on a contract project. Like many runners, I hate treadmills and enjoy a long leisurely run in nature or on a lonely road. In all my 7 years of running in Chicago (where I live), I have NEVER been harrassed, called derogatory names, nor nearly run off the road. And I run in a city with MILLIONS of people and cars. But in the mere 1 month that I have taken advantage of the nice weather, I have already been harrassed three times. Stroudsburg is simply unfriendly to women runners, especially if they're alone, and especially if they are minorities. This backwards area is never going to get a influx of interesting people if it keeps being represented by its fratty close-minded population.

I'm male and white and I've been harrassed before. What makes you think it was racially motivated? And what makes you think that white people aren't interesting????

[businezguy]

Originally Posted by Cityeda

I've been working near Stroudsburg for about 8 month on a contract project. Like many runners, I hate treadmills and enjoy a long leisurely run in nature or on a lonely road. In all my 7 years of running in Chicago (where I live), I have NEVER been harrassed, called derogatory names, nor nearly run off the road. And I run in a city with MILLIONS of people and cars. But in the mere 1 month that I have taken advantage of the nice weather, I have already been harrassed three times. Stroudsburg is simply unfriendly to women runners, especially if they're alone, and especially if they are minorities. This backwards area is never going to get a influx of interesting people if it keeps being represented by its fratty close-minded population.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. That's simply not good at all, and reflects poorly on us Stroudsburg area residents, of which I am one. I can assure you we are not at all like that. By the way, could you PM me with your number....errr I mean we are really good folks, and every bit as gentlemanly as the folks in Chicago.

[rcb1966]

Keep running....don't cave to a few close-minded individuals. Keep doing your thing and I think you will find it to be coincidentally isolated incidents.