Why we shouldn’t ‘let boys be boys’ when it comes to catcalling

When it comes to catcalling, I am done just laughing it off. It’s not even that it’s purely offensive, it’s that it makes me feel unsafe and targeted in times where I shouldn’t be. It makes me, and other women, feel as though we are less than human and most importantly, disrespected.

I realize that there are probably guys that think it’s funny while they’re drunk and don’t even think twice about the fact that it makes the woman they are calling out uncomfortable.

The consistent blaming it on alcohol or ignorance has to stop though. Time after time I’ve been told that it shouldn’t bother me because “boys will be boys,” yet that’s becoming outdated and overused in my book. The question that runs through my head each time I’m called out is “why is this still seen as appropriate behavior?” Maybe the situation would be different if catcalling was a mutual thing that happened between men and women in society, yet it continues to just be males of all ages who catcall.

I still do not fully understand why catcalling is still a problem, considering the fact that there is a negative response back most of the time. Throwing back every insult and disapproval seems to do nothing but obtain laughter. If laughter is usually the response back to however the woman tries to defend her dignity, than why even catcall to begin with?

It may be because it feels like a joke to the person yelling the obscene words of choice, but the fear that ensues after is often enough for me to reach for the pepper spray in my purse.

Sadly catcalling doesn’t just happen on the streets. Asking me to dance at a club is fine, but groping me and getting offended when I try to walk away, is definitely unacceptable. Having to pretend I have a boyfriend shouldn’t be required to be left alone. Social interaction obviously occurs in places like bars, but it shouldn’t have to end up like that.

What’s really disturbing though is that catcalling really has no specific age group. There have been times where I was walking with my own mother and we were still whistled at. It’s pure disrespect at any age, but even worse when I’m clearly just trying to walk somewhere with my mom.

The act of catcalling feels so primitive. No matter what time period, if you find a woman attractive, approach her in a respectful way. And if you’re just looking to embarrass her, skip it, because you’re only making yourself look foolish. What really prompted me to express my opinion on this problem is a night where I was catcalled and a friend of mine who was walking along with the group of guys that called me told them to leave me alone. It was that specific womanly connection that made me realize we all know it’s wrong and feel the need to protect each other from it.

I’m tired of feeling shameful or afraid I’ll be physically confronted – it’s an issue that has gone on for too long. We need to instill in boys’ minds that women should be treated with the same respect they want to be treated with.