The Logic Of Catcallers | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Logic Of Catcallers

It's not fun and games, it's a threat.

9
The Logic Of Catcallers
Puckermob

I prefer to go to the grocery store at night right before they close. There’s less people, and I can actually browse and shop without being accosted by shopping carts. For the most part, I feel like it is safer. I can park in a lit area, close to the front of the store. There are usually cart attendants within close proximity that can see me if anything were to happen. I was on my way in this past week, parking reasonably close to the door. I was thinking that there were a lot of cars for 10 p.m. on a weeknight. I strategically collected everything that I needed before unlocking the door, leaning out in one swift motion, and locking my car quickly. I proceeded to the entrance at a determined pace. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a car pull up next to me. I kept my gaze straight. Of course it was nothing. This was a parking lot after all. The driver rolled their window down, and started talking to me, trying to flirt with me. Sirens blared beneath my skin as I realized the car was close enough for me to touch. I felt adrenaline pumping through my chest. Fight or flight. I tried not to seem affected, or even indicate that I could hear him. I quickened my pace, and felt relief at the sight of people as I strutted right into the store.

In that second, a million things had flashed through my mind. First of all, stranger danger. I’m a woman alone in a parking lot. I have a wrist-let with me carrying the meager amount of money I need for food. There is a car coasting uncomfortably close to me. I’ve seen these movies. This is how people get snatched. A random man of unknown build is trying to get my attention, and I have no idea if I will manage to piss him off, or what his reaction will be. Isn’t it sad that I have to think about the reaction of an unknown man to unwanted attention just to consider my own safety? Inside my mind I was slamming my hand on the hood of his car, screaming, “F*** off! Who the f*** do you think you are?”

Where did he even think this was going? Sure, I’ll just walk up to your window and twiddle my hair. You’re definitely hotter than everyone I know, and well worth the risk. You manage to be so interesting in these ten seconds of conversation that we have had. I was on my way into the grocery store about to purchase a week of healthy meals that I’ve meticulously planned, but it can wait. Sure, I’ll hop in your car. When I try to understand the logic of people that catcall, I realize that there is none.

I mentioned unknown build for a reason… I absolutely size people up that make me uncomfortable. If man (or woman for that matter) was traveling uncomfortably close, I size them up. I think of multiple ways I could take him down. I refuse to let anyone make me feel cornered anymore, but that’s another story. The bigger they are, and the more muscular they are, the more my ways out of situations become narrower and narrower.

Why are so many women taking self-defense classes? Krav maga? Why do they feel inclined to travel with pepper spray and tazers? Why do we send our daughters out with rape whistles? We tell our kids not to talk to strangers. We try to teach them how to get by. You can do everything right. It doesn’t really matter. We might as well say, “Have fun sweetie. I hope nothing happens to you, but if it does it’s not your fault.” Women shouldn’t have to be James Bond to feel comfortable going out in public. We shouldn’t have to have a knowledge of guns and martial arts in order to protect ourselves. We’ve created a society of women functioning on defense rather than focusing on why they have to defend themselves. I hope one day I’ll see a world where women are no longer afraid and can travel in society just as men. I hope that one day our girls will no longer have to be trained how not to get hurt.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17422
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7450
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5461
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4749
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments