I had unfortunately locked myself out of my apartment complex and had politely asked a female neighbor if she would help me out and unlock the front for me as my actual apartment door was unlocked.

She then became very hostile but she did help me, but not without threatening to mace me while I stood well over 20ft from her, had to watch me and when I moved slightly screamed at me and I had to walk through the front door with my hands up slowly.

Was she obligated to help me? No. Am I grateful to her? Yes. But what bothered me was her explanation for her behavior was and I quote "I watch too many movies and I know how these situations play out." That's what bothered me, that media displays men as being so dangerous and mistrustful that I can't even ask for help is disheartening.

I am a small, gay man in my 20s. If I was perceived as a threat to this woman it makes me wonder how she and other women see men and makes me critize the role of media's depiction of men much more harshly. I used to think men's rights was a silly thing but now through an increasing number of experiences I'm beginning to see many of the points it brings.