She followed a protective instinct against a potential threat. The guy, who chose to take offense to being perceived as threatening, degraded her further for her response. And just as society perpetuates female subservience, she wonders if she is in the wrong or if she is valid in being hurt by his calling her “too unattractive to be raped.”
The man could have not said anything or perhaps acknowledged her fear and introduced himself as a neighbor. Maybe he could have taken responsibility and apologized for the misunderstanding that led to her fear in the first place. She’s not calling him a rapist; she’s just looking out for her safety in a world that often puts women second. He is responsible for his actions in following closely, not backing off, and then being cruel toward her.
The man could have not said anything or perhaps acknowledged her fear and introduced himself as a neighbor. Maybe he could have taken responsibility and apologized for the misunderstanding that led to her fear in the first place. She’s not calling him a rapist; she’s just looking out for her safety in a world that often puts women second. He is responsible for his actions in following closely, not backing off, and then being cruel toward her.