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.
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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.
