Hey there, guys who have ever catcalled or thought about it: it’s time to rethink your approach. Seriously, do us and yourselves a favor.
First off, let’s just be clear: it’s not effective. As a woman who knows countless others, I can assure you that I’ve never heard anyone say, “I was just going to work when this guy hollered, ‘Hey, gorgeous!’ and I was so flattered that I just had to jump into bed with him.” Maybe it worked for you once back in high school? Or perhaps you’ve heard exaggerated tales from friends? Spoiler alert: we don’t appreciate being catcalled. It’s downright offensive.
What’s that? You think it’s just harmless compliments? A compliment is when you tell your waiter they did a fantastic job and tip generously. It’s about genuine admiration and, most importantly, respect. Even if your comments aren’t explicit, they can still be damaging.
You might think saying “Hey, pretty lady” is way nicer than “Nice rack,” but guess what? Catcalling is still harassment, regardless of how you package it. It’s the delivery that’s the problem—uninvited and thrown at us like a bucket of ice-cold water.
Deep down, we know what you’re really saying: “I’m interested in you only for my own gratification, and I’m not willing to put in any effort or show respect.” You’re not really seeing us as people. You don’t care if we’re married, grieving, or just trying to enjoy our day. We feel diminished. Your comments turn us into objects, reducing us to mere vessels for your desires.
The feeling is uncomfortable, yes, but what’s worse is that it’s unsafe. If you’re comfortable shouting at us, who’s to say you won’t cross the line into something more? You might think we’re overreacting, but trust me, if you had to navigate life with the constant anxiety of being prey, you’d understand.
We’re not asking for this attention, no matter what we wear. Heels might make us feel powerful, bright lipstick might lift our spirits, and comfy leggings are just that—comfortable! But no matter our outfit, we’d still face your unsolicited remarks. For you, a woman is a woman, regardless of her attire.
Why don’t we just ignore it? Because we shouldn’t have to. When we keep walking, pretending to brush it off, we risk receiving insults like “You’re ugly” or “You’re lucky I even noticed you.” This isn’t just happening to a select few; it’s a widespread issue affecting nearly every woman in public. Think about it: your mother, sister, niece, or daughter has likely dealt with this too. Some girls get catcalled before they even hit their teenage years. Is that just fine and dandy?
No. Catcalling violates our boundaries and is an attempt to assert dominance over women. It’s a way to demean us while pretending to compliment us, hoping we’ll be too insecure to resist. If you want to feel manly, grow a beard or buy a flannel shirt. Better yet, become a feminist.
Is it too much to ask to walk from point A to point B without disruptions, just like you do?
So next time you feel the urge to yell at a woman crossing the grocery store parking lot, think twice. It won’t get you anywhere and will likely annoy her. Instead, try something revolutionary like, I don’t know, actually smiling at her. But if you genuinely want to get to know someone, catcalling isn’t the way to go—no ifs, ands, or “nice behinds” about it.
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To summarize: Catcalling is not a compliment; it’s harassment. It objectifies women, disregards their feelings and boundaries, and creates an unsafe environment. Instead of hollering, try offering genuine respect.