One of the most offensive things that I have the displeasure to experience in my day-to-day life is having to deal with the men -- and women, for that matter -- who think it is okay to cat-call at me on the street and make comments on my appearance.

For some reason, people have been cat-calling me for decade, thinking it is okay, when, in reality, it is categorized as street harassment. This is an open letter from me to my street harassers. This is why cat-calling is not okay.

Dear Street Harasser, Cat-Caller, and to whomever it may concern,

I heard what you said at me when I was walking to class and I didn't appreciate it. While I was busy practicing my speech in my head for my communications class, you apparently felt the need to comment on my appearance. What you said is not important because no matter how you said it, it would still be uncalled for.

I don't understand why my appearance is any concern of yours and I certainly don't need anyone else's opinion, let alone a total stranger's, on what I decided to wear today. What you may have thought was a compliment, has made me feel even more self-conscious than I already am about myself. What you may have thought would "make my day" has distracted me from what I need to focus on. Now, I can't stop thinking about how my clothing may be too revealing to give a speech in an academic environment. So thank you, street harasser, because now when I deliver my speech in front of the class I will feel exposed and like everyone is judging me based on my appearance, just like you did.

You do not know me, street harasser, therefore I see no grounds for you to make such a personal comment about something as personal and private as my body. If you were kind and friendly and perhaps just said, "Hello, good morning," I gladly would have greeted you in return. Instead, I put my head down feeling insecure and violated, while you had the audacity to watch me walk away. 

I regret not stopping and turning around to face you and speak my mind, but you probably wouldn't have understood my point of view because you, obviously, only see me as a physical being who could not possibly have her own rational thoughts and opinions. Why, street harasser, did you not make the same comment to me when I was walking with a male friend? Did you think he was my boy friend and therefore it would be disrespectful to him if you commented on my appearance? Why do I not deserve the same respect when I am walking alone?

Please, street harasser, keep your comments to yourself. I do not need you to make me feel insecure and unsafe in the city I live in. I am not here for your amusement, viewing pleasure, nor am I walking by hoping that you will notice my appearance. I have better, more important things to occupy my time.

On behalf of myself, and all victims of street harassment, my body is none of your business. Next time keep it to yourself.

Shannon Baucus

Please visit these websites to learn more about street harassment and work to stop it in your community today.

http://www.cardsagainstharassment.com/stories.htmlhttp://www.stopstreetharassment.org