Tales of a Brown-Haired Freak

One thing I've noticed in Grenada is that those skeezy guys that harass people who are out walking or running on the street (you know the type) are a lot more persistent than anywhere else I've been. It's not really a problem - I mean, it's not like they're anything other than a minor irritation, but it makes me wonder what it is that makes them that way. Example:

Yesterday, it was raining. Pouring, even. So I decided to go for a run (granted, I run almost every day, but last night I specifically went because it was wet out). Now, on an ordinary day, I deal with various people honking at me (generally taxis - I assume they don't notice the ipod, running clothes, or running action and think I might want a ride, but others do it too), people calling out things as I go past (I assume they don't notice the ipod), and people tryng to flag me down to buy some street food (again, I assume they don' notice the whole running thing). However, on this rainy evening in question, I not only had to deal with all three, but I also had one guy who left his shelter, darted across the street, and followed me for a block (running, through the rain), chattering the whole time despite being told more than once "I've got music playing; I can't hear you."

So I ask you, especially my male readers: what could possibly be worth this kind of persistence? Yes, I'm white, and yes, I'm alone, but what sort of response are they expecting? Not very many grenadians run, at least not in Grand Anse, but do you think they get the same attention? Do random guys/taxi drivers on the street just not equate "running + ipod" with "can't hear you + don't want to talk + don't need a ride?" I'm genuinely perplexed about this one.

(keep in mind, however, that I don't feel in the least unsafe - it's not scary, just confusing)