I HATE being catcalled!
... It's a repulsive act!
... A crass assumption men make in thinking it's okay to get the attention of a strange woman, by sounds or physical gestures, and crude remarks.
It's degrading, dehumanising, and an act of gender inequality that can have traumatising long and short-term effects on women.
Being catcalled makes my blood boil so hot, that I feel like I'm going to explode.
I can imagine the myriad of emotions women feel when they experience such acts, still, I understand that some women's views might differ. However, catcalling evokes emotions of anger and disgust in me. Being harassed by a stranger is a violation of my personal space and a chauvinist act that my liberated mind struggles to pardon. I act with the utmost decorum to society's standard, and I'm mindful of social norms and etiquette in different regions of the world, which I observe and abide by if I happen to visit such countries. Nevertheless, street harassment might have different outcomes based on geographical and cultural influences. It's something that can turn ugly, aggressive, or even violent in a matter of split seconds.
Stranger harassment is unbearable and causes psychological trauma. Sadly, I can attest to being adversely affected by such crimes, which has compassed my situational awareness and how I respond and operate in open spaces.
I'm alert, observant, and always in defence mode because there's no timetable for stranger harassment.
People respond and are affected differently by situations. Women might be advised to ignore when such incidents transpire, but I think an assessment of the situation is essential. People of different social statuses do engage in these lewd acts with different motivations. Illiteracy is a factor in some cases, where sadly, a woman being silent to some gestures might be regarded as consent (no joke), as well as 'successful' men who might engage in such acts for sexual gratification.
It's not a comfortable subject to speak about, but the discomfort felt from experiencing catcalling far outweighs my decision to keep quiet about such an act.
I've been vocal about my disdain for catcalling all my life.
Some women are timid and scared to address these situations as they unfold. I take a controverted approach to such scenarios.
When I'm catcalled, the culprit gets my evil eye.
That's a given!
I don't know exactly what the offender sees, but it appears to be intimidating, and sufficient to address the situation.
At other times, I might interact with an offender by asking questions in a calm firm manner.
For example:
"Excuse me, are you visually impaired? Do you consider yourself to be of sound mind? Did you happen to see an animal go by?"
Based on the responses no, yes, and no, respectively.
I then ask; "Why did you communicate to me as if I have four feet?"
Or
I might say:
"Excuse me! You are not a friend of mine. If you wish to open communication with me, would you keep it simple, with good morning, good afternoon, or good evening?"
Both have worked a charm on many occasions, where I've gotten apologies, and some have resulted in vexation.
There are other scenarios when I know that it is best to seek refuge in a crowded location.
Yes, there are times when ignoring is best.
That's when it hurts the most!
I am more than just a pussy [catcalling]!
All images are mine