Catcalling and its Consequences

You might have talked about the problems that women face due to catcalling. Ever talked about its consequences? Is it only the women who are affected? There are always two sides to a story, and we generally tend to forget about the other. Catcalling has its effects on different people in a different manner. For those who don't know what catcalling is, here is a little definition. The term catcalling refers to rude sexual remarks made by men on women passing down the street. Catcalls are about women's body as a whole or a specific feature.

There is a big difference between a catcall and a compliment. Every person likes and deserves to get compliments, but hearing a shout in the middle of a street regarding a body part along with sounds of kissing is never flattering. It makes women feel insecure, and it does hurt them when someone objectifies them. Catcallers may find the words harmless, but women may interpret them as the precursor to any possible physical threat. There is no way for women to avoid street harassments. If you are a man, imagine yourself in a situation where a guy with bigger muscles decide to tell you how sexy you are and how good would it feel to bite your lips. You want to direct the person to stop. But, you don't want to make him angry as you fear the consequences.

Every woman faces catcalling, one day or other and there is nothing they can do about it but ignore. There is a need to stop this form of harassment, which can only be done by spreading a word. Men should understand the situations women deal with. It is not about the clothes they wear. It is not about the time they go out at. It is the thinking of men, which needs a change. Being a man doesn't give you the authority to assert power over women.

I remember an incident when I was riding a bus to my examination center. I was eating my breakfast right on the bus itself due to heavy traffic delaying my arrival. After I had finished and was just about to put all the stuff back in my backpack, one of the wrappers went towards the girl sitting next to me. I lifted my hand towards it. In a moment she said, "Don't you dare touch my hand to get that". For a moment, I was amazed. Not just by her words, but also the expressions she had in her eyes. I am not a rapist, come on, I thought, but I don't blame her. Her response is the outcome of various situations she might have faced. But, the level of her insecurities simply made me wonder a lot more. The way women think of men, an image of men that this society portrays to women. That was the day I knew that it is not only women who are affected. Every action builds a path for a reaction. That path involves you with or without your consent, after all, that's how nature works, it's never in our hands to be a part of something, it just happens.

Lastly, I think that catcalling does a lot more harm to the victim than the joy it offers to bully and happiness based on a person's grief is never worth a shot. In short, here are a few things for everyone to understand.
1. If you are a man, and you witness a catcall, say something. Otherwise, the catcaller will think that his behavior is normal.
2. Words are not harmless, catcalls effect physically, emotionally and mentally.
3. Stop telling women what to wear, tell the men to behave.