Catcalling is something that almost every woman and a large majority of men have experienced. Regardless of how it is intended to be perceived, catcalling is often extremely rude and, in some cases, even threatening and terrifying. The instances that fall under the latter can unfortunately lead to attempted or achieved assault. So, it is completely understandable that many people are scared or nervous wear certain things, walk alone, or go to certain areas.
In a survey done by Stop Street Harassment in 2007, it was found that 99% of respondents, including men, had been a victim of harassment in a public place at least a few times. 65% of respondents reported being a victim of harassment on a monthly basis. In a survey done a year later, it was found that of the female respondents, over 99% reported experiencing some form of public harassment.
These numbers are not shockingly high. Based on my own experiences, I can tell you that it is almost impossible to walk in any city, wearing any type of clothing, mind you, without getting at least a few sexist comments, honks, or whistles. I cannot speak for everyone, but the vast majority of people I have spoken to about this issue feel the same way I do: Catcalling is rude and disgusting.
Recently, my roommate and I went to go get some brunch after church. While on the train on the way there, a man looking to be in his late fifties told us how nice our dresses were, which I know is not horrible, but it still made me uncomfortable. After that though, he came up to us and asked us how old we were, which made me even more uncomfortable and scared. Thankfully, the train reached our stop right as he asked the question, so we quickly got off and left.
While this is a mild example when compared to situations others have been in, it is still very uncomfortable, frightening, and something that happens way too often. There is a difference between catcalling someone and giving someone a compliment. Catcalling is harassment, while a compliment is not. “You are pretty,” varies greatly from, “Hey, honey, nice legs.” Whistles are not flattering and I will not respond to them. I am not a dog. I am a person and I deserve to be treated with respect.
Catcalling is extremely degrading, objectifying, and uncomfortable for the victim. It makes the person experiencing the harassment feel like they are a piece of meat being chased after by hungry dogs. While catcalling remains an issue, and probably will for a long time, more and more people are becoming aware and are working to resolve the problem. I have hope that in years to come the monster that is catcalling will be defeated.
If you have experienced or are experiencing sexual harassment and need help, you can contact the University of Utah’s Office of Equal Opportunity (801-581-8365).