Some days,catcallingis truly the bane of my existence.
Dude, can u not?
Or the gentleman who leans in, sniffs me, and tells me I smell good.
Thank you, Marc Jacobs Decadence.
Congratulations on the Oscar-worthy serial killer imitation.
Do we speak up?
I used to have a pretty vocal reaction to catcalling, especially when I first started learning aboutfeminism.
Funnily enough, now that I ignore catcalling, the reaction is often still the same.
The more women I talk to with this stance, the more it clicks.
In reality, only the catcallers are at fault.
Everyone’s just doing their best.
She makes them think of their mothers.
“I used to avoid responding because I was taught it would give catcallers attention.
It’s awesome and empowering to putthemon the spot.
Emily I., 22
2.
“Normally I turn around, wave, and say thank you.
If I’m stressed, the moment I get catcalled I start laughingit instantly brightens my day.
Alina B., 26
3.
She says nothing and started taking martial arts.
What enrages me most isn’t being disrespected, but rather the fear of being in an uncontrollable situation.
Now, I understand that protecting myself often takes the form of letting myself be demeaned.”
Jules C., 26
4.
She doesn’t acknowledge them.
“I actually just gotcatcalleda few minutes ago.
In my mind, they can eat a d*ck.
In reality, I’m going about my damn day.”
Erica V., 25
5.
She smiles, rolls her eyes, or pretends it didn’t happen.
“I mostly ignore it, although sometimes I roll my eyes, and sometimes I smile.
The more disenfranchised they arelike if they’re homelessthe more likely I am to smile and let it go.
Marta U., 25
6.
She went from giving the finger to ignoring them.
“For years I’d tell guys to stop talking to me or leave me alone.
If I was in an especially bad mood, sometimes I’d even flip them off.
Of course, sometimes men get angry because I’m ignoring them, so it’s a toss-up.
Kim C., 26
7.
She mentions her family.
But if he seems aggressive, I will attempt to change the tone by giving a compliment to him.
I’ll say something like, ‘Wow, you’re persistent.
If I wasn’t married with a ton of kids, I’d take you up on your offer.
But you’re special.
double-check you find a sweet girl.’
It puts the power back in my hands.”
Latasha K., 36
8.
She tries to keep her husband from getting involved.
“I usually stay silent, because I assume they want a reaction.
Also, as sad as it is, I have to worry about the repercussions of responding confrontationally.
Kristen M., 26
9.
She does her best to have fun with it.
“I live in New York City, which is like the catcalling capital of the U.S.
It’s fairly common for a guy to tell you how beautiful you are or whistle at you.
Sometimes it’s fun and amusing, and other times disrespectful and inappropriate.
I try tohave a little fun with it.
When the garbage man drives by, honks his horn, and yells ‘Hello, beautiful!’
I smile, wave back, and yell ‘Good morning!’
But if the guy is vulgar, I totally ignore it and pretend I didn’t hear him.”
Jessica A., 31
10.
She asks if this strategy has ever worked for them.
I usually respond by asking them questions like, ‘What’s your success rate?
Have you ever actually gotten a girl to sleep with you by doing this?’
Most times, they give me a blank look or stumble over their words.
But I see to it to assess the situation first: Are there other people around?
Is there a safe place for me to get away if they become hostile?
I’ll keep walking if the circumstances aren’t safe, but I never feel good about it.”
Lauren C., 25
11.
She lets her face do the talking.
“Catcalls infuriate me.
I would never smile, but I don’t sheepishly look away, either.
If I am in a fairly isolated area, I ignore it and leave as quickly as possible.
Quotes have been editedfor length and clarity.
Photo Credit: Kevin Tjoe Ny / EyeEm / Getty
