TL;DR : Catcalling feeds into rape culture

TW:Mentions of sexual harassment

Catcalling, formally known as street harassment, is the act of shouting and harassing someone often in a sexual or derisive manner. It can happen to anyone of any gender but is more typically aimed at women.

[An international study of women found of 16,000 women found 84% were harassed before they were even adults. In the UK, 90% of women are harassed before age 17] (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/31/catcalling-power-women-rape-culture#:~:text=An%20international%20study%20of%2016%2C000,when%20someone%20defiles%20their%20space.)

Catcalling is about power, making someone feel as though they are helpless to defend themselves. It can include flashing, leering, whistling, and sexual comments and demands about someone.

Catcalling is harassment because it is unwanted and uninvited, and causes people to use tactics to get out of the situation and feel safe, such as crossing the road, pretending to be on the phone, or telling the perpetrator that you have a boyfriend/ significant other to stop their harassment and constant persistence.

Catcalling is not a compliment because compliments do not create anxiety or fear over your own safety. The acceptance of catcalling in our society needs to be challenged because it perpetuates rape culture, that these things are okay to do, and that 'no means yes', when no definitely means no.

If Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of sexual harassment is an acceptable interpretation, “uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature”, then it is most definitely applicable to catcalling. By walking down the street, running errands, working out, or simply getting a breath of fresh air, someone isn’t showing any indication of welcoming sexual or romantic advances of any kind. As sexual advances of these kinds are unexpected and inappropriate, their recipients are left taken aback and often frightened. In fact according to Gallop’s Annual Crime Survey, “Nearly half of all women, 45%, say they do not feel safe walking alone at night, compared with 27% of men” (Dugan, 2021). If the advance was unwanted and ultimately undesired, then it is sexual harassment.

Dugan, A. (2021, April 03). In US, 37% Do Not Feel Safe Walking at Night Near Home.
Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://news.gallup.com/poll/179558/not-feel-safe-walking-night-near-home.aspx

Sexual harassment. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexual%20harassment

TL;DR Catcalling is not only harassment, but a very common and intimidating form of harassment

• Is catcalling a form of wanted or consenting attention? No! Does it make women and men alike feel uncomfortable? Yes! Then for me Catcalling is a form of harassment.

• Catcalling [can elicit fear] (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/31/catcalling-power-women-rape-culture#:~:text=An%20international%20study%20of%2016%2C000,when%20someone%20defiles%20their%20space.) into the ‘victim’ (although I am reluctant to use that term), no form of flattery should be able to do that.

• Catcalling is, in comparison to other types of harassment, quite mild and often harmless. I have heard it labelled ‘lad banter’ and I have also been told it is a form of flattery. I do not agree. I think this sort of justification [exonerates the perpetrator and makes the issue a 'victims' interpretation] (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/31/catcalling-power-women-rape-culture#:~:text=An%20international%20study%20of%2016%2C000,when%20someone%20defiles%20their%20space.).

• Catcalling can range from a yell from a car, to someone who insists on walking with you whilst you walk down the street. It is prevalent, with over [80% of women ] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_harassment) internationally saying they receive often frequent catcalling.

• For me, Catcalling isn’t the worst thing in the world, and I understand why some think the term harassment carries a much more aggressive tone with it, however I am of the opinion, that if it causes fear and is unwanted, then it is indeed harassment.

TL;DR: Not all catcalling is harassment

A common way to start a relationship, professional or romantic, would be with a compliment. So long as the “catcall” is cordial and not offensive it should not be classed as harassment. It is not predetermined that a catcall is shouting an offensive compliment at women but could simply be a “good morning” or a “how are you today”. If the recipient does not engage then the conversation should end there.

We should not define all catcalling as harassment as doing so would discourage conversations. People would feel that the simple act of starting a conversation could land them in trouble. What is important is establishing boundaries and making sure that people, men, in particular, do not cross them.

TL;DR -- A little catcall every now and then wouldn't be so bad. In fact, it would be a compliment.

As a woman who is getting older, I'd honestly enjoy a little catcalling every now and then. It would be a compliment and a self-esteem boost. My usual response is to say "thank you, but I'm married" and move on, unless the guy is being really lewd, then I ignore him, maybe give him the stinkeye.

Catcalling becomes harassment when the guy 1) is being way too lewd, and/or 2) doesn't take the hint and keeps doing it. But a casual "you look nice today" or "you're a pretty little thing" would actually be refreshing to hear for someone like me who is getting older, fatter, and missing the compliments she used to get when she was young.

It's literally just paying someone a compliment. Should we ban compliments?