What is catcalling other than a strong weapon to degrade a woman? And to this day, it remains to be common in modern society. Even more so when there’s a lack of education on the topic, especially to men. And how they shouldn’t be doing it.
If you’ve been catcalled or know someone who has experienced such and want to spread more awareness, then this guide is for you.
Moreover, we’ll talk about why it’s wrong, its after-effects, how it can be expressed, and how to deal with those pesky catcallers.
What is Catcalling?
Regain defines catcalling as a “form of objectification” and a “means of demonstrating that a person’s physical appearance is in some way alluring or appealing.”
Additionally, it’s a type of street harassment that commonly occurs to women of all ages from men. In turn, it makes women constantly adjust or change their behavior, clothing, etc., so they don’t fall into such a trap. They also don’t feel as free to be who they want in this world, which shouldn’t be the case. No one should have to carry such pain from this experience throughout their lives.
Why Catcalling is Wrong
Unveil why such an act reaps more negativity towards women through this section.
1 It’s not a way to compliment women.
For so long, catcalling is believed to be a way to compliment a woman. When really, it’s objectifying and insulting because their image towards them is almost like they’re some yummy piece of meat they can hog and consume.
2 It changes how the victim views themselves.
Insecurities and shame are things that we learn consciously and unconsciously rather than being things that we’re born with. With catcalling, your self-image shrinks because you become an unexpected target of someone’s harassment.
There’s something about you that urged them to say whatever the heck they want, making you think you’re an easy hit. That you have something that tempts them, even if it’s something so unexpected. For example, you literally wear a normal pair of jeans and a t-shirt and get wolf-whistled.
You started self-analyzing to figure out what was “wrong” about it. Simultaneously, some catcallers somehow get the green pass just because other people agree that there was something “tempting” about you. Like WTF?
All in all, the lingering feelings after being catcalled stay with you for a long time and affect how you move and go with your day-to-day life.
3 It normalizes shaming women daily.
Almost every girl in this world experienced catcalling in their own way. And for those who haven’t, it’s something that’s bound to happen at some point, which is the unfortunate trend. Since there’s still a lack of education surrounding the topic, being harassed on the streets is inevitable. As a result, it tragically became a part of modern society.
Effects of Catcalling
Let’s discuss the consequences one can face right after being catcalled below.
1 It brings in a lot of danger.
As we delve further into what catcalling is, we see that it automatically urges someone into flight or fight mode out of protection, which stirs a lot of stress inside them. Even more so when the catcaller can get aggressive and the victim has to defend themselves physically or with some self-defense too. Like how come defending yourself from catcalling leads you to such a scary, life-threatening level? Why can’t we live a simple life without getting into trouble, especially when it’s unintentional?
The sad truth that the world is a scary place for women remains to be a tough pill to swallow.
2 It instills the idea that women’s bodies are sexual objects.
How can you tell a young girl that their body is something that’ll be degraded as they get older? Exactly.
Aside from this, we train young girls to be more conscious of the way they dress and act in public. Starting with those dress codes to avoid tempting the male gaze, wherein said dress codes are restricting and a subtle way to degrade young girls. Such beliefs become ingrained as they grow up, affecting how we dress and approach the outside world without becoming a victim.
When really, the truth is the perpetrator will always be at fault. No matter what kind of dress codes and gender-specific rules are placed on girls, it’s their choice to create havoc. And even if some people refuse this truth due to old-fashioned beliefs (e.g., women are submissive to men), it doesn’t change the fact that the victims carry on the pain and guilt all throughout their lives.
3 You can’t be your authentic self.
For example, you’re someone who expresses herself through fashion. And when you want to make a fashion statement, there’s still that chance of backing out because there’s that fear of getting catcalled. Of getting unwanted attention when all you did was try something new and outside of your comfort zone.
Examples of Catcalling
Browse through this informative section to see how catcalling manifests in person.
1 Uninvited sexual advances and comments
- Damn, you’re so sexy!
- Girl, what that mouth do?
- Nice legs. Bet they look better when I’m between them!
- Bet that pussy is tight!
- Slapping their butt while walking down the street
2 Non-verbal actions
- Wolf-whistling at them
- Honking your car at them
- Giving clicking or kissing noises
- Following someone after you make a comment
- Shouting at someone to pay attention to them
3 Faux Compliments
- Damn, your partner is so lucky to have you.
- Wow, someone like you shouldn’t stay single for long!
- Baby, you should feel flattered that I’m talking to you right now.
- You have such a pleasing chest.
- C’mon, baby, give me a smile!
4 Group Harassment
- Having a group of men laughing around you
- Same group making loud comments and noises (at or around you)
- Them ganging up on and following you around
- Hey, my boy has a thing for you, leading to immense peer pressure and puts you on the spot
- Them also ogling at you without restraint
5 Aggressive Comments
- If you don’t f*cking talk to me, I’m going to beat you up.
- Oh, okay. So you’re giving me the silent treatment after I said you were pretty?
- Woah, so you think you think you’re too good for me?
- Excuse me, can you f*cking look at me in the eye?
- You’re not walking away from me like that!
6 More Harmful Examples
- Where are you going, beautiful? Can I come?
- Maybe you have a friend who’s just as pretty whom you can set me up with.
- Women as exotic as you are my type.
- Are you mixed? Explains why you’re so hot.
- Reaching out for your hand or any body part without consent
How to Handle Catcallers
As we near the end of our guide about what is catcalling, reclaim your power from such insolent people through this section.
1 Clap back at them.
Are you really going to just let them have their way with you, distorting your self-image and controlling your current mood? Absolutely not! Don’t let them have the last say in this uncalled situation. Even if the catcaller goes haywire, stand your ground that you aren’t someone who tolerates that behavior. But if there’s a prospect of harm, contact any present authorities for further help.
2 Ignore it.
In case you’re just not in the mood to fight (because it can happen), pushing it aside is another route to take. You can still have negative emotions surrounding it, but not giving any attention to it removes the power away from the catcaller. After all, catcallers are attention seekers, and paying no mind will irk them. At the end of the day, you’re still a winner, baby.
3 Rant about it.
This tip can serve as a secondary step from the previous tip so you don’t keep all that negative energy in you.
You even rant to an online community that serves as a safe space for other women who’ve been catcalled. It gives you a sense of solidarity and belonging, even if they’re strangers. Even receiving positive comments makes you feel seen and that they have your back no matter what.
4 Document it.
Oh, this is one common yet scary route to choose since the catcaller can always get physical. However, documenting your experience serves as proof when you decide to report it to the authorities and spread awareness on online platforms. A lot of the time, catcallers exposed online get quite the attention that leads to losing their jobs, getting bashed, and such. But no one would feel bad about them as the online world knows that they are the perpetrator and justice should be served.
Documenting the experience can come in the form of writing, taking a video, and taking photos of it. The latter two can be tricky, but you’ll be surprised what a shot of on-the-spot bravery can do to you. And it can even give you more stress relief off your shoulders. Moreover, this can help those in the community to avoid certain routes and prospects when you post it.
5 Educate them.
This tip can be quite challenging if the catcaller is stubborn and unapproachable, which is the case most of the time. Because trying to correct them hurts their ego, urging them to hurt whoever tries to go after them even if they’re in the wrong.
However, educating people about the dangers of catcalling can go a long way. Seeing that catcalling has become normalized in society and something that occurs on a daily, it’s not fair for women to be living in such unsafe conditions. Hence, teaching even the fundamental basics behind catcalling can make a difference in society. Whether it be less wolf-whistling or unnecessary body-related comments, it can spare a lot of people from stress and unease.
6 Don’t let it ruin your thunder.
This tip may take some time to fully process, but remember that getting catcalled is not your fault. It doesn’t matter what others on the side say, but the blame here goes to the perpetrator. Learn to live your life around this experience and use it as a driving force to strengthen you and make you invincible.
7 Report them.
In the Philippines, there’s a law called “Safe Streets, Workplaces, and Public Spaces Act of 2017” authored by Risa Hontiveros to penalize “bastos” culture in public places. Such culture includes unwanted comments, persistent telling of inappropriate jokes and words, asking for someone’s number or location, wolf-whistling, and of course, catcalling. In a situation wherein you’ve been catcalled in public, this law can be used.
Its violations range from light to moderate to severe. Each category is equivalent to a certain fine and either doing community service or serving time in prison, depending on the frequency of the perpetrator doing this offense.
Takeaway
And that’s a wrap on our guide on what is catcalling 101! Let it be known that this type of street harassment is detrimental to women of all ages. By talking about it, we can make it more known and find the bravery to call out anyone who does this. After all, women deserve to feel safe and protected when they’re out and about.
For more guides that spread awareness of various societal problems, you can head on over to the Lauvblog here.
