The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines catcalling, in the sense we're talking about, as "a loud, sexually suggestive call or comment directed at someone publicly. Not saying there aren't exceptions, but we know that it's typically men catcalling women.
Now I've never really been catcalled with anything overtly lewd, but I have had the occasionally whistle, or that I "look cute", or "what am I so dressed up for". But I think regardless of what's said, the result is the same. When I get whistled at, for instance, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, my heart starts racing, and I feel like everybody is looking at me. Which is something I don't want.
Catcalling is like the opposite of complimenting. We are not dogs for you to whistle at or objects made for your sexual gratification. Catcalling is not warranted or wanted. From the initial comment, women feel nervous and embarrassed and sometimes even ashamed and scared. Then, these men expect a response to their advances. Typically, for me, it can go one of two ways. 1. you ignore it and pretend you didn't hear it, or 2. you offer a polite smile and keep walking. But either option can have detrimental consequences if the man is persistent or aggressive. So what better way to stop making women feel uncomfortable, than to stop catcalling them? Women have every right to cross the street without being made to feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Men think they're complimenting a woman when they catcall her because they are insecure in their masculinity and need to exert power and control over a woman to make them feel better about themselves. There are perfectly mature, polite, and respectful ways to compliment a woman without making her feel like an object.
Complimenting is about making the recipient feel good about themselves, and catcalling does the opposite of that.
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As requested by @christinadark , I hope you enjoy! It still baffles me that anybody reads what I write so thank you all so much for reading, voting, and commenting!
Xx Shannon =)
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