The topic of catcalling could be deciphered more or less to the eye of the beholder; women have had either similar or different experiences of the matter, taken in either a positive or negative context. There have been studies done that suggest flirtation is good for one's self-esteem, and it increases confidence in one attempting to find a partner (fling, one-night stand). However, it could be perceived that flirtation and catcalling are completely different from one another. Catcalling is short-natured and fleeting, but there will be those who will make that small moment in time matter to them, and it will come off as abrasive and disrespectful in the long-run. Not only that, but from the catcaller's position, the action can be perceived as a method of boosting one's ego, an attempt to feel empowered by objectifying someone else, and laying claim to that person with a territorial howl. In lieu of the laws of nature, a man catcalling a woman reveals what he finds to be sexually appealing, and for a brief moment his fantasies are in stark daylight.
Some might say that this article is a sign of Ms. Lewak's sense of empowerment, and that women should be proud of strutting their stuff for others to visually dissect. Why shouldn't she? She was picked out of a handful of other women to receive the verbal blessings of complete strangers and unaware of their intent. Did she bother to cater back to those construction workers she mentioned, putting on a brief show-tease before turning the corner? I doubt it. The real question is does she really need the approval of outside opinions to feel good about herself and her image?
No one should. No one should have to resort to that degree of self-worth.
Personal empowerment is about strengthening self-confidence. While outside encouragement is always a good thing, no one can feel completely whole running on other people's expectations. It's nice once in a while to receive a compliment here and there, but it should be moderated in rarity, like a treat or special purchase. From this article, women are being told to indulge in it. Might as well just say, "Forget about respecting yourself, go out there and entertain those hard-working men because that's why God gave you those gorgeous looks in the first place!" Ladies, you do not need a man's attention to feel important, attractive, or worthy of life, and you certainly do not need the advice of some bimbo who takes pride in optically prostituting herself on the streets of New York City.
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| "I'm not here for your entertainment!" |
I've never considered myself an extremist feminist, and probably never will be, but this got my Rosie the Riveter flexing with anger and raising the middle finger. My experience with catcalling is in the same context of being bullied as a child; obscenities being shouted my way, intrusive glances, crude gestures, and the overall demeaning sensation that lingered behind. Ironically, I was bullied in school for my looks and style; I was one of those extremely late bloomers, cursed with awkward body growth, and wore clothing that made me feel comfortable rather than restricted in skin-tight garments. I didn't adhere to the male protocol of what was attractive, and despite my best efforts to feel that none of these bullies' words mattered, it hurt. The persistent insults made me feel worthless, yet I never conformed to resemble my female classmates. Years later, men began noticing me and approached me with words that made me feel threatened and objectified; I was an insignificant being needing conquering, and they were going to do it, come hell or high water. Other women in that position would have probably loved the attention of the game, but for me it held a different meaning, and for good reason. I wasn't going to let years of self-empowerment fall to shambles over whistle-blowing, horn-honking, wolf-howling, sexist men in any manner whatsoever, and to this day I have not faltered. Until now.
Ms. Lewak's publication is just as threatening to me as the type of men who take personal gratification in humiliating women on the street. She expresses that in order to feel self-worth, you have to put your body out there in a male-dominated world, and to accept the fact that you're obligated to put on a nice show for those lonely (and most likely unfaithful) men. Women have come so far in history to be given their rights, to be seen as capable and powerful individuals, and influential leaders; they don't need centuries of respect destroyed by these particular opinions of objectified appraisal. While this article is infuriating, let us hope that it doesn't encourage any more half-witted and sexist opinions on trivial matters. Let us hope that there is a majority in this generation that has found a strong voice to promote self-empowerment and respect.
You can find the article here: http://nypost.com/2014/08/18/enough-sanctimony-ladies-catcalls-are-flattering/
