To the guy who cat-called at me,

It seems as though you got some enjoyment out of sexually harassing a young lady and that is sick. I will not address you as man, because what you did does not make you one, it makes you sick. I will not address you as a gentleman, because you are not worthy of that title.

But why should I be surprised? Shouldn't I have expected it?

It's sad, that we, as women, have to grow up in a society where cat-calling has replaced complimenting and harassment is called admiration. Belittling comments is called flirting.

Our young ladies should not have to always look over their shoulders when walking alone. Our young ladies should not have to feel vulnerable when walking to their car at night. Our young ladies should not grow up in this kind of world, where men's sexuality demands women's silence and fear. Society has turned a blind eye towards men and their unwillingness to control themselves, while they excuse their behavior with the all too-familiar phrase, "she must have been asking for it." How belittling is that! No lady asks to have humiliating comments made about her body from strange guys.

But somehow, this is deemed socially acceptable. Somehow, it is always the woman's fault.

Why are women viewed as nothing more than a body? Their bodies are all that holds value, not their kindness, not their character, and not their heart.

So, when you cat-called at me, you got some pleasure out of it, and watched me walk faster and turn red from the embarrassment. But, now that I reflect upon it, it has given me ammunition to fight for respect, and to fight for awareness. Sexual harassment is real, and unfortunately, nothing is being done about it. Women are expected to keep their mouths shut and their eyes will remain down to the ground as they walk away. It doesn't need to be this way, and I refuse to remain silent a moment longer. While you laugh with your friends, I'm dying on the inside. I'm disgusted by this.

One in five women are raped, and in a recent survey of 811 women, 99 percent have been sexually harassed in some form. These numbers are terrifying, yet they are ignored. I'm tired of not being heard, and I'm tired of being forced to remain silent.

So, to the guy who catcalled at me, I carry the comments you said to me as ammunition to fight for myself and other women who have faced this, and I write this to bring awareness of harassment, but you carry your comments to entertain yourself for a few seconds, and that satisfaction is all you will receive on this earth if you do not turn your life over to the Lord. I will pray that I can forgive you in my heart. I'll pray that you one day see the light before it is too late, that you will see your wretchedness, and see that Christ is the only way to be truly satisfied.

To the guy who cat-called me, thank you for inspiring this article. I hope this will be used as a way to unify women who have faced this, because it is real, and I refuse to be silent.

Sincerely,

A Young Lady of Worth