A video appeared on YouTube this week showing a woman in eastern Saudi Arabia fending off a potential sexual harasser with a broom.
This is only the latest in a string of such videos — last month, an international backlash followed a video of two women being surrounded by a mob of catcalling men.
Just like last month's video, this one was hit with a storm of criticism — and laughs — on social media. Check out some of those responses below.
#فتاة_تضرب_متحرش_بالدمام اتوقع بعد هذا بننسى معنى كلمة تحرش .
— M.A (@maha_8986) August 4, 2015
Translation: I think after this incident he will not sexual harass anybody.
#فتاة_تضرب_متحرش_بالدمام من اول واحنا نقولكم بلا قانون بلا خرطي اللزي عمرش بعمرش.
— هنـد. (@Nodi33R) August 4, 2015
Translation: This is much better than the sexual harassment law.
#فتاة_تضرب_متحرش_بالدمام يستاهل ما جاه اعراض بنات الناس ما هي لعبة بين ايديه .
— HESSAH ■ (@HNFC_H) August 6, 2015
Translation: He deserved what he got; women are not toys you can play in anytime you want.
#فتاه_تضرب_متحرش_بالدمام خلاص ي شباب ترا هاذا تعاملنا معاكم من اليوم ورايح ..وربي تتأدبون غصب ..تستاهلون
— S .O .M (@wnash222) August 5, 2015
Translation: Ok men, so this is how we will deal with you from now on.
Admittedly, the video is as entertaining as it is salient. Just like the videos of women telling off Saudi's infamous religious police or bravely defying the driving ban, it's a satisfyingly strong response to a phenomenon in the kingdom that's been going on for a long time.
But don't hold your breath on any change on a state level.
Whenthe media frenzy from last month's video died down, not much else happened. And despite this latest clip's viral success right now, things will probably still stay the same.
After a spike in harassment reports in 2014, Saudi's Social Affairs Committee of the Shura Council mulled a new sexual harassment law making advancements punishable with a fine of up to 500,000 Saudi riyals (about $130,000), plus up to five years in jail. Despite more calls to action, including last month's video, the proposed law was dropped by the council this year.
Watch the video below.
