Whistling, howling, or honking are common ways women deal with street harassment everyday. It has become a social normality that men yelling derogatory terms from their cars or across the street is okay thing to do, when it is not. Constantly, women are told that it is not the men’s fault, but our own. It is what we wear or the way we look at them that make it appropriate for men to follow us or be hollered at. Yes, they may be saying “nice” statements to us like, “You’re beautiful” but 99 percent of the time it is more creepy than flattering.

“Hey sweetcheeks, can I get your number?” “The things I’d do to you, why don’t you come over to my place?” Men think that we should appreciate their “compliments” and be grateful that we are being pursued, but we really hate it. Then there are men who literally bark. Bark like as if they are dogs and we are food. Physically following us after we have already told them or made it very clear we are not interested in them. Why has this become a social normality and why is this always blamed on the woman rather than the man doing it?

I could easily make this article 10,000 words, but I am just going to break it down -- short and simple.

First of all,it is not the woman’s fault that we are experiencing street harassment.

We are allowed to wear whatever we feel comfortable in. Whether that is a v-neck or a turtleneck; shorts that are half way down our thighs or not; or even a tight bodycon dress compared to a loose T-shirt one -- our attire does not give you permission to bark or honk at us. We wear these outfits for ourselves, not for you. Sorry, but not at all sorry. Thank you, I appreciate the fact you find us attractive, but there is a respectful way of approaching us.

Second, what on earth do you think about when you literally bark at us?

It does not make us want you anymore than before just because a loud noise comes from your throat. What makes it worse is that 90 percent of the time the words that are said afterwards make us uncomfortable and scared. Continuing to follow us or walk with us is not okay either. We did not invite you to join us or to start conversation with you. No, we are not looking to hook up with you because you are flirting with us.

Lastly, all we really want is to be respected.

Your non-verbal communication is just as affective as your verbal communication. The way you look at us or gesture to us makes as big of an impression as you hollering from across the street. Do not look at us as if we’re objects, as opposed to a human. It is degrading and rude when the men who catcall us continue to insult us and call us ugly because we do not respond to them. It is honestly disgusting and it needs to stop.

Here's a video of what happens everyday to every women and how scary it is to live in the world that we do.

Why is this concept so hard to wrap around their heads? I would like to go one day without experiencing this, please. It affects women so much more than you would even imagine. The belittling and the roller coaster comments leave a mark on women in a way that is forever scaring. Society must recognize this now and stop these nauseating behaviors.