“Men who harass women on the street are part of the same spectrum of the rape culture. They use their power and male privilege to intimidate women and restrict their equality. And, like abusers, they use it to control women. Don’t believe me? Ask yourself how many women adjust where they walk, what time of night they walk, how many people they walk with, what they wear etc. Street harassers, like rapists, have been able to control women’s behaviour. Even women who have never been raped have learned very early that they are not safe on their streets and their communities.”
—An article explaining why catcalling isn’t a compliment
“Many men who harass women say their intent is to compliment them, but why do they usually not “compliment” women who are accompanied by other men and often only do it when a woman is alone? Why do they tend to object to other men “complimenting” their female significant other (if applicable), female friends, or female family members? Why do some men grow hostile and violent when women do not thank them and act flattered? Why do they feel compelled to compliment women at all? Rarely are they expecting a date. Many times they do not even wait to see a woman's reaction as they fly by in their car or as they turn to start harassing the next woman. They are doing it to exert their power, to entertain their friends, to relieve boredom, or do demonstrate that they can evaluate a complete stranger to her face, just because she is a woman. ”
—Stop Street Harassment: Holly Kearl
Why do women hate cat calls so much?
This is a serious question, I’ve seen a lot of backlash against them and I would like to know the reason.
A cat call is a quick way of saying “Girl u lookin fine”. Personally, if I a group of random girls told me how fine I looked I would stand taller and feel better about myself throughout the rest of the day
From what I have gathered up, it seems to be offensive because it degrades women. But I don’t get it. The men who cat call aren’t trying to degrade you, they are simply appreciating your looks.
I am probably entirely wrong, that’s why I am asking you now.
I would greatly appreciate it if someone could clarify this for me. If you need a lot of space to write out a long answer, send me a message and I will open up my submit box.
Why do women find cat calls offensive?
