Hey there, gentlemen who have ever shouted at or thought about shouting at a woman: let’s take a moment to reconsider your approach. Seriously, it’s time for a reality check.
First off, let’s be clear: it’s not working. As a woman who’s spoken with countless others, I can confidently say that not a single one has ever felt flattered or turned on by a guy yelling, “Hey, gorgeous!” while she’s just trying to get on with her day. Sure, maybe you had a fleeting success back in high school or heard a boastful tale from a friend that was more fiction than fact. But take it from us, the real experts on this matter: catcalling isn’t a compliment; it’s offensive.
You might argue that you’re just giving harmless compliments. But here’s the thing: a genuine compliment is when you tell a server they did a fantastic job and follow it up with a generous tip. A compliment is grounded in respect. Even if your words aren’t explicitly crude, they still carry harm. You might think saying “Smile more, beautiful!” is way better than a crude remark, but guess what? It’s still harassment, no matter how you dress it up. It’s all in the delivery—uninvited and dropped on us like a bucket of ice water.
Let’s be honest: you’re not interested in us as people. You don’t care if we’re married, grieving, or just trying to get through our day. Your comments strip us down to mere objects, reducing us to walking body parts, rather than recognizing us as whole individuals. It’s unsettling and, quite frankly, dangerous. How do we know your words won’t escalate to something more physical? If you’re comfortable hurling verbal harassment, what’s to stop you from crossing into physical territory?
We’re not asking for this attention, and our clothing choices have nothing to do with it. Whether we’re in heels, leggings, or a burlap sack, we shouldn’t have to endure such treatment. Our outfits are for us, not an invitation for your unsolicited comments.
So why not just ignore it? Well, first off, we shouldn’t have to. Ignoring you might lead to even worse comments, like being called “ugly” or worse. This isn’t just about a select few attractive women; this happens to nearly every woman who dares to exist in public. Think about the women in your life—mothers, sisters, daughters—who have probably faced this. It’s not just “words”; it’s a violation of our boundaries and an assertion of dominance over the “weaker” sex.
If you want to feel manly, perhaps grow a beard or buy a flannel shirt. Or better yet, embrace feminism! Wanting to walk from point A to point B without interruption is a simple request.
Next time you feel the urge to yell at a woman crossing the street, think twice. Instead, try a smile—it’s more effective and respectful. If you’re genuinely interested in a woman, catcalling is not the way to go about it.
In a world where we’re constantly navigating these uncomfortable situations, let’s create a space where kindness and respect thrive instead.
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To sum it up: catcalling is not just an annoyance; it’s an offensive act that needs to stop. Respect goes a long way, and everyone deserves to feel safe and valued in public spaces.