Only in rare circumstances do I ever speak a bad word about my favorite place in the world — New York City. But like anything, with abundant perfection, comes some significant imperfections.
Being a female in a big city, no matter how old you are, results in a certain kind of attention, and I do not mean a positive kind of attention. I have been walking in the city streets on my own since I was 12 years old, and I have experienced catcalling from then to this very day.
Catcalling, is described by Urban Dictionary as “an insulting and usually sexist remark made in public towards a woman by a man. Not to be confused with compliments.” While the words used in catcalls on their own are not always insulting, the intent with which they are used is.
Men, of all shapes and sizes, seem to think that it is okay to sit in their cars with their windows rolled down or on their stoops yelling “hey baby” at women who are just passing by. They think it is okay to invade a woman’s personal space as she walks to the subway by whispering in her ear, “Have a good day, sweetheart.”
Contrary to popular belief, hearing a man whistle at you like a dog because they like the way that your butt looks in your jeans, does not feel like a compliment, and having a conversation interrupted by a strange man clicking his tongue, is downright disgusting and invasive.
I don't know of one woman who appreciates being called sweetheart by a strange man on the street. The word is demeaning when it comes from a random man, and to me, the word connotes that the targeted woman is sweet and helpless. Being called sweetheart by anyone except maybe a parent or a significant other seems condescending, especially if it comes from a strange man’s mouth. Secondly, there are many people who would make the argument that women who leave the house looking good, deserve attention. Catcalling is not a flattering form of attention. The whole concept and act is just one big power move.
How genuine are these “have a good day” comments? It is very unlikely that the men wishing good days upon random women really care how their days will end up. These comments are backed by selfish motives.
What are these catcalls meant to accomplish? They will not get a woman into bed, for starters. These comments certainly won’t trigger an “Oh my! What a nice and endearing man,” type of response. Honestly, there is rarely ever a positive response to sexist and controlling remarks, and it is ignorant to expect one. This type of harassment causes women to feel self-conscious and unsafe, triggering longer and quicker strides down the street. This verbal street harassment is a gateway to physical harassment.
It is needless to say that what has become a cultural norm and expected daily occurrence, must stop. The prevention of catcalling will allow women to feel comfortable in their own skin as they walk down the street.
