Let's Talk About Cat-Calling
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Let's Talk About Cat-Calling

It's not a compliment.

9
Let's Talk About Cat-Calling

Almost every girl can relate to an obnoxious guy (or guys) shouting derogatory things at her in public. The fact that this is so relatable makes me sad. Cat-calling is a poor excuse of communicating with the opposite sex. Not only is it inappropriate, it is demeaning, inexcusable, and promotes rape culture.

I took my dog for a walk this summer while I was living on campus. I crossed the street from my dorm, and as I was about to turn the corner to walk toward campus, a group of guys about my age pulled their big jacked-up truck next to me (which is already a major turnoff) and proceeded to shout disgusting things at me. They shouted things about my appearance and insisted that I go for a ride with them. Chivalrous, I know.

When they noticed me ignoring them, their attitudes changed. They called me a stuck-up bitch almost immediately after calling me a fine piece of ass. Huh.

I refuse to be defined and valued based on my appearance. I want to be known for my intelligence, my character, and how I treat others. Why? Because that’s what really matters. When boys (because let’s face it, these aren’t men) treat women like this, it sends out two messages:

1. A girl is only as pretty as the boys cat-calling her say she is.

2. A girl is an object, used at the disposal of boys. She is nothing but a tool for them; a sandwich-making, baby-producing robot who is only good for one thing: Her body.

Cat-calling is harassment, plain and simple. So boys, if you really and truly believe that a girl you see is pretty, why act like a buffoon? Just go up and tell her you think that. Not only will you not look like a total idiot, but you’ll also have your conscience clear of any demeaning and inappropriate behavior that your bros might find appealing.

If you’re still not understanding or believe cat-calling to be a compliment, think of it this way: Your little sister, barely 16, is being shouted at by a group of guys on the street, in their cars, etc. They’re calling her sexy and hot, whistling and hollering at her as they find more demeaning things to say. She’s walking to her car all alone that night, and these guys have had a few drinks. One approaches her and blocks her from her car. They force her in their truck and then...

Oh, you don’t like that story? Is it too much for you to handle? Well, that’s too bad because this is what rape and sexual assault survivors have to relive the memory of every single day.

The more that the idea of women being objects is taught and acted on, the more our society’s growth is hindered. It’s this poisonous mentality that is letting sexual offenders off the hook in the eyes of the law. Our society has this understood thought that women are less than men in every aspect, which is simply not true. Respect women. Respect yourselves. It’s that simple.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42832
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26882
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951921
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

140742
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments