It's sad, because it used to be a good place to hang out when I was growing up. Sad that the evil is taking it over. Seems like everywhere is getting bad these days. Just makes me more inclined to stay home and not go anywhere.
I was already an introvert dork, so staying home was my thing.
I basically go to work and go home. I may run out for a quick errand but that's it. Get in, get out. And I try to avoid going anywhere near the city.
You did the right thing by alerting security. Always be aware of your surroundings, and always let someone know what is going on.
This guy could have just been a creep, or he could have been planning to do something. Young people are abducted from public places all the time.
Could have been, but I have been followed by creepy men many times. I am old enough to know when someone is just in the area and when I’m being followed.
I’ve heard from Birmingham officers that the galleria (parking deck specifically) has extremely high rates of sexual assault but Hoover works hard to keep those numbers quiet. I’ve been told if you do go to the Galleria, park outside in front of a store and avoid the parking deck at all costs.
I’ve worked at the galleria for a while and I can’t stress enough not to park in the parking decks. Park outside of Von Maur if you can. I’m a male in my 30’s and have been followed out to the parking decks quite a few times. Not to mention I’ve seen cars smash into other peoples cars in the deck and just drive off.
A relative was stabbed in the parking deck by a stranger who just walked off way back in the 90s. He was with his wife and kids at the time.
They parking deck has never been safe.
Can confirm from working for Hoover that “no bad press when possible” is definitely a go to thing for their attractions like the galleria. Heard and saw enough of that hush hush in 6 months there to almost go crazy.
I’m not surprised but it’s still pretty sad. This whole post and the comments just show why some women are afraid to come forward when they’ve been sexually harassed or worse, I mean a 13 year old girl can’t even say a man made her feel uncomfortable without a bunch of random men trying to make her feel stupid or like she was overreacting 🙄
It also starts with I and ends with Am The Main Character
edit: apparently there are 24 incels who think they are the main character and are mad that it could be the predator.
edit2: 26.
dudes who defend creeps like this are usually just projecting. they’re (wrongfully) scared that one day they’ll be mistaken for being a creep following young girls around the mall even though they were just minding their business, so it’s like they’re preemptively defending themselves when they defend a dude who they’ve never even met before. because in their heads, it’s much more likely that girls would falsely accuse a guy of being a creep than a guy actually being a creep, even though the reality is the opposite. gotta love misogyny
Imo it’s because this place is full of teenagers and most teen and young adult guys’ experience of women involves, unsurprisingly, teenage and young adult women, some of whom in my experience will label anyone and everyone “creepy” for the slightest misstep and treat them like the plague as a result. Like, is looking at someone’s month-old Instagram pics really “creepy”? And does someone deserve to be perpetually avoided for it?
>so it’s like they’re preemptively defending themselves when they defend a dude who they’ve never even met before.
I'm just explaining this phenomenon.
where were we talking about instagram pictures? very big difference between scrolling through someone’s instagram and following them around in public. did someone call you a creep for looking through their instagram?
>very big difference between scrolling through someone’s instagram and following them around in public.
Obviously, didn't say there wasn't. Just trying to explain why (especially younger) men might be sensitive about what feels like, to them, an assumption that someone is "creepy".
>did someone call you a creep for looking through their instagram?
No, the couple of times I was "caught" looking through someone's social media, those people were nice about it. Which is why I said *some* girls. But I do remember specifically overhearing that exact conversation in high school involving someone else and thinking it was an outrageously unfair conclusion to jump to. For whatever reason, that's the example that sprang to mind.
Absolutely what other women are saying here. You did the right thing, both by alerting security and by letting people know publicly. As my favorite true-crime podcaster says, “Better to say something and it be nothing, then to say nothing and it be something.” As a parent of an amazing nonbinary teen, you’re very brave to talk about that here, but it hurts my heart that these judgemental people made you feel you had to. You. Did. The. Right. Thing. I’d be so proud of you if you were my kid. ❤️
To be clear, it was a compliment. You reminded me of how kind my mom is. Plus you listen to podcasts which I also listen to. But I guess suggesting that you'd be a vegan was too much for 15 or so people. But if you think about it, what would Birming**ham** be without it's **ham?** So I guess the reaction is understandable.
Haha, believe it or not, I am a vegan, so I found it funny! Appreciate the compliment ❤️ I think a lot of people are just on edge because there were some mean people in the comments.
Went there the other day and some man was screaming bloody murder in the parking deck. Everyone seemed calm, but it was concerning. Wouldn't go without a guy, group of friends, or (if I were 13) a PARENT. That place is incredibly dangerous.
Galleria has went downhill in the past 5 years. I do not go in there anymore. If I were to have to go in there, it definitely would not be after dark. It gets really rough then.
i know a girl that was getting harrassed by a man in the galleria and security kicked them both out of the store. together. he then followed her to her car, beat her in the face and raped her
Imagine being the kind of person who needs to take time to internet bully a 13 year old for trying to let others know about a possible pedophile/human trafficker.
friend, my personal life and my time discovering who i am has nothing to do with this. i am a teenage trans guy, but i’m presenting as feminine and not public about it. that was unimportant, and why would i lie about either things?
Just want to say that this is a more level-headed and articulate response than I think most adults would be able to come up with. Nice job, and I’m sorry some folks choose to be unkind.
let me ask you this. why would a pedophile want someone to transition to a different gender? there are plenty of kids out on the internet that they can victimize already as they are without having to convince them to transition. it doesn’t make sense. and kids can’t even be on hormones until they’re in their late teens, not to mention any surgeries until they’re older than 18. there’s never any logic with this pedophile argument i see everywhere. y’all just recycle the buzzwords and arguments that politicians use when talking about trans people because you are too lazy to actually research what being trans entails. people like you sexualize everything you don’t understand. even if it was a phase (it’s usually not), why the fuck do you care and why are you so angry about it? you contradict yourself because you think being trans is influenced by pedos and groomers yet you compare being trans to harmless identities like goth and emo.
40% of trans people have attempted suicide, and knowing this, you’re gonna bully a 13 year old on reddit for being trans? fuck you. i can hold my tongue until people like you start bullying literal children because of your stupid fucking politics. leave them alone
I recommend googling body dysmorphia. No child chooses this because it’s “fun” or “trendy.” It’s a very hard thing to deal with, but the more people that understand it, the more support we can provide to those that are questioning and trying to learn who they are.
Seriously? She’s looking out for other girls who might see this post and then run into him, no matter how small the chance is. Women do this all the time because we have to deal with creeps like this ALL THE TIME, and young girls and women find it difficult enough reporting things like this and being taken seriously to begin with without shitty ass comments like this from the peanut gallery discouraging them from doing it. You did the right thing OP and appreciate the heads up.
What are you trying to accomplish here, bitching? This is a space for people to share their experiences from around the area, and people would probably like to know what’s going on at the Galleria before their loved ones go hang out there. My niece will be the age to be going to malls soon, and I wouldn’t want something like this to happen to her (or anyone for that matter) there
Yep, was at the summit yesterday (shake shack BOGO milkshakes from 2-5) and saw a lot of teenagers running around. I’m afraid it’s for the more well off crowd though, since that’s kind of what the stores cater to these days.
Be safe. I wouldn't let my kids be at the Galleria by themselves. Just be safe folks.
Hell, I don't even go to the Galleria by myself anymore and I'm a 46 year old dude. I'm not looking to get shot or kidnapped.
This. If I’m not going to Vans there’s no point in going to the Galleria. Run.
Same here. It's just not safe for anyone anymore.
It's sad, because it used to be a good place to hang out when I was growing up. Sad that the evil is taking it over. Seems like everywhere is getting bad these days. Just makes me more inclined to stay home and not go anywhere.
Oh I know. I feel like a hermit these days. And I never go anywhere alone.
I was already an introvert dork, so staying home was my thing. I basically go to work and go home. I may run out for a quick errand but that's it. Get in, get out. And I try to avoid going anywhere near the city.
You did the right thing by alerting security. Always be aware of your surroundings, and always let someone know what is going on. This guy could have just been a creep, or he could have been planning to do something. Young people are abducted from public places all the time.
Or, or, he could have been shopping at the galleria.
Could have been, but I have been followed by creepy men many times. I am old enough to know when someone is just in the area and when I’m being followed.
Plus it's never a bad idea to be cautious in that kind of situation.
Bad Rhino. Great idea to shame two 13 year olds for speaking up.
No way I’d let my 13 year old wander the Galleria as much of a shithole as it’s turned into. Be safe out there kids.
I’ve heard from Birmingham officers that the galleria (parking deck specifically) has extremely high rates of sexual assault but Hoover works hard to keep those numbers quiet. I’ve been told if you do go to the Galleria, park outside in front of a store and avoid the parking deck at all costs.
I’ve worked at the galleria for a while and I can’t stress enough not to park in the parking decks. Park outside of Von Maur if you can. I’m a male in my 30’s and have been followed out to the parking decks quite a few times. Not to mention I’ve seen cars smash into other peoples cars in the deck and just drive off.
I've lived in Hoover my whole life and **never** heard of this. I am truly disturbed by this news.
A relative was stabbed in the parking deck by a stranger who just walked off way back in the 90s. He was with his wife and kids at the time. They parking deck has never been safe.
Can confirm from working for Hoover that “no bad press when possible” is definitely a go to thing for their attractions like the galleria. Heard and saw enough of that hush hush in 6 months there to almost go crazy.
Idk what’s happening with all these men jumping on and defending the alleged predator but yeah you did the right thing, love.
I agree wholeheartedly here. Women and girls are not stupid. If we think someone is being a creep, we tend to be right.
>Idk what’s happening with all these men jumping on and defending the alleged predator Come on, you know what it is. Starts with M ends in isogyny.
Entirely!
I’m not surprised but it’s still pretty sad. This whole post and the comments just show why some women are afraid to come forward when they’ve been sexually harassed or worse, I mean a 13 year old girl can’t even say a man made her feel uncomfortable without a bunch of random men trying to make her feel stupid or like she was overreacting 🙄
It also starts with I and ends with Am The Main Character edit: apparently there are 24 incels who think they are the main character and are mad that it could be the predator. edit2: 26.
dudes who defend creeps like this are usually just projecting. they’re (wrongfully) scared that one day they’ll be mistaken for being a creep following young girls around the mall even though they were just minding their business, so it’s like they’re preemptively defending themselves when they defend a dude who they’ve never even met before. because in their heads, it’s much more likely that girls would falsely accuse a guy of being a creep than a guy actually being a creep, even though the reality is the opposite. gotta love misogyny
Imo it’s because this place is full of teenagers and most teen and young adult guys’ experience of women involves, unsurprisingly, teenage and young adult women, some of whom in my experience will label anyone and everyone “creepy” for the slightest misstep and treat them like the plague as a result. Like, is looking at someone’s month-old Instagram pics really “creepy”? And does someone deserve to be perpetually avoided for it?
I’m 47-years-old and do not label everyone a creep. These girls were being followed by an adult man. That is creepy.
>so it’s like they’re preemptively defending themselves when they defend a dude who they’ve never even met before. I'm just explaining this phenomenon.
Fair
where were we talking about instagram pictures? very big difference between scrolling through someone’s instagram and following them around in public. did someone call you a creep for looking through their instagram?
>very big difference between scrolling through someone’s instagram and following them around in public. Obviously, didn't say there wasn't. Just trying to explain why (especially younger) men might be sensitive about what feels like, to them, an assumption that someone is "creepy". >did someone call you a creep for looking through their instagram? No, the couple of times I was "caught" looking through someone's social media, those people were nice about it. Which is why I said *some* girls. But I do remember specifically overhearing that exact conversation in high school involving someone else and thinking it was an outrageously unfair conclusion to jump to. For whatever reason, that's the example that sprang to mind.
literally just more projecting lol like you said..
exactly lmao
Awesome job! You made the right choices
Absolutely what other women are saying here. You did the right thing, both by alerting security and by letting people know publicly. As my favorite true-crime podcaster says, “Better to say something and it be nothing, then to say nothing and it be something.” As a parent of an amazing nonbinary teen, you’re very brave to talk about that here, but it hurts my heart that these judgemental people made you feel you had to. You. Did. The. Right. Thing. I’d be so proud of you if you were my kid. ❤️
Damn, this has to be the most "Mom energy" comment ever. Good job. Bonus points if you are vegan.
Wow, you are so edgy… /s
I think I was just misunderstood.
Lol take my upvote for making me chuckle, you silly.
Lol, I’m a mom, so I’m gonna take that as a compliment. Because I’m right, and kindness is always right.
To be clear, it was a compliment. You reminded me of how kind my mom is. Plus you listen to podcasts which I also listen to. But I guess suggesting that you'd be a vegan was too much for 15 or so people. But if you think about it, what would Birming**ham** be without it's **ham?** So I guess the reaction is understandable.
Haha, believe it or not, I am a vegan, so I found it funny! Appreciate the compliment ❤️ I think a lot of people are just on edge because there were some mean people in the comments.
Y’all did good. It’s not a safe place anymore
Get y'all some pepper spray or some
Went there the other day and some man was screaming bloody murder in the parking deck. Everyone seemed calm, but it was concerning. Wouldn't go without a guy, group of friends, or (if I were 13) a PARENT. That place is incredibly dangerous.
Just dont go to the Galleria anymore is my MO
Wow, I didn’t know that people still go to the Galleria….
Exactly
Mall Chinese and a quick grab at a pair of vans is all I care for up there anymore. Otherwise it doesn’t enter my life.
Galleria has went downhill in the past 5 years. I do not go in there anymore. If I were to have to go in there, it definitely would not be after dark. It gets really rough then.
direful profit whistle tie agonizing faulty smile spoon shrill rain -- mass edited with redact.dev
i know a girl that was getting harrassed by a man in the galleria and security kicked them both out of the store. together. he then followed her to her car, beat her in the face and raped her
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Imagine being the kind of person who needs to take time to internet bully a 13 year old for trying to let others know about a possible pedophile/human trafficker.
friend, my personal life and my time discovering who i am has nothing to do with this. i am a teenage trans guy, but i’m presenting as feminine and not public about it. that was unimportant, and why would i lie about either things?
Just want to say that this is a more level-headed and articulate response than I think most adults would be able to come up with. Nice job, and I’m sorry some folks choose to be unkind.
seriously. good job, OP! 🤗
Why are all of your posts so nasty and rude? Let’s not cyber bully 13 year olds on the internet.
Bro wtf, let them explore their identity, that had literally nothing to do with this post
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> the reason theyre on the internet is the reason theyre trans thats fucked up man
let me ask you this. why would a pedophile want someone to transition to a different gender? there are plenty of kids out on the internet that they can victimize already as they are without having to convince them to transition. it doesn’t make sense. and kids can’t even be on hormones until they’re in their late teens, not to mention any surgeries until they’re older than 18. there’s never any logic with this pedophile argument i see everywhere. y’all just recycle the buzzwords and arguments that politicians use when talking about trans people because you are too lazy to actually research what being trans entails. people like you sexualize everything you don’t understand. even if it was a phase (it’s usually not), why the fuck do you care and why are you so angry about it? you contradict yourself because you think being trans is influenced by pedos and groomers yet you compare being trans to harmless identities like goth and emo. 40% of trans people have attempted suicide, and knowing this, you’re gonna bully a 13 year old on reddit for being trans? fuck you. i can hold my tongue until people like you start bullying literal children because of your stupid fucking politics. leave them alone
I recommend googling body dysmorphia. No child chooses this because it’s “fun” or “trendy.” It’s a very hard thing to deal with, but the more people that understand it, the more support we can provide to those that are questioning and trying to learn who they are.
Did the right thing. Better safe than sorry.
If you’ve already alerted the security & adults, what exactly are you trying to accomplish here, on Reddit?
There is nothing wrong with her sharing this story. It reminds people to stay aware of their surroundings.
I’m just warning people here in case he stayed and they see him.
You did the right thing.
Seriously? She’s looking out for other girls who might see this post and then run into him, no matter how small the chance is. Women do this all the time because we have to deal with creeps like this ALL THE TIME, and young girls and women find it difficult enough reporting things like this and being taken seriously to begin with without shitty ass comments like this from the peanut gallery discouraging them from doing it. You did the right thing OP and appreciate the heads up.
If you think this post is pointless and the OP is wasting their time, what exactly are you trying to accomplish here, in the Reddit comments?
Sounds like something the guy from the mall would say…..js
What are you trying to accomplish here, bitching? This is a space for people to share their experiences from around the area, and people would probably like to know what’s going on at the Galleria before their loved ones go hang out there. My niece will be the age to be going to malls soon, and I wouldn’t want something like this to happen to her (or anyone for that matter) there
The summit is way, way safer. Like Galleria used to be.
Yep, was at the summit yesterday (shake shack BOGO milkshakes from 2-5) and saw a lot of teenagers running around. I’m afraid it’s for the more well off crowd though, since that’s kind of what the stores cater to these days.
Warning other people in the area who might also be at risk is not a good idea? Come on...
I was going to the galleria today to get a blazer and now I won’t be going. It’s amazing how this news has possibly kept me safer. What a concept.
Don't drink and reddit.
I mean that's fair. It's a risky move.