Arifa Abrahim

Recognized as an enchanting city for its boundless opportunities, constant commotion, and non-stop nature, Manhattan magnetizes visitors and new inhabitants alike.  Although a glamorous city at the surface, like any character, the city reveals its darker side with time.  One particular detail stands independent from the city’s romantic side: cat-calling.

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Before entering college, I identified as a feminist; the concept of equality of the sexes was just common sense.  Then, as a NYU student navigating the streets of the Lower East Side, I gained a deeper appreciation for feminist principles after witnessing first-hand the reality of misogyny.  Many people misconceive that being a woman in New York City is easy; women will receive the occasional free drink, lifted cover charges, and other female-oriented discounts.  While everyone loves free stuff on the surface, most people who define these instances as ‘privilege’ fail to recognize the inherent objectification women experience behind the scenes.  Would you still call it privilege if that free drink at the bar was roofied?  Is it still privilege when a sleaze-bag bombards a group of girls on their G.N.O. because he can’t take no for an answer?  I didn't think so.  These situations are monetarily free to women, but there can be an unfortunate price to pay.

Women are objectified in every imaginable situation, and some of the very worst of it comes in the form of cat-calling.  I’ve experienced everything from walking to 8:00 AM classes to riding the elevator to grabbing pizza with friends.  Shouts of ‘hey sexy’ or ‘smile cutie’ echo in my head as I walk straight ahead, ignoring the remarks but rolling my eyes in disgust.  Sometimes I ponder the expected benefits of these remarks: am I supposed to be flattered by a creep objectifying my presence?  Do you expect me to fall in love with you after being yelled at like an object?

Cat-calling often feels inescapable as a young woman in New York City.  A form of street harassment, women are constantly subjected to demeaning remarks as they go about their daily lives. Sexualizing every feature of the average female, from her glasses to her high-heels to her hair color, demonstrates the level of scrutiny and vulnerability to our livelihood.  No woman should worry about her outfit choices or invest energy into a fake smile to appease the men who choose to prey on their appearance.  I don't dress to please anyone but myself nor should I ever adjust my mood or change who I am to avoid harassment — it’s a degrading prospect.

A silent burden persists as I head out of my apartment, speculating over what repulsive comments the day will bring.  The existence of this thought-process alone are concerning — cat-calling comes across as normal, and even routine at this point.  Amongst the worry of acing my finals and revising essays, I equally spend time worrying about the unwanted attention I will face.  I am a college student whose immediate goal is to invest in my passions and education, eventually hoping to achieve a job geared towards my interests.  Yet, why do I bother devoting time and energy to thinking about how I will be perceived on the streets?  Answer: because I have internalized these worries, a fear ingrained into many young women.

It may be nearly impossible to completely eradicate misogyny; however, by making a conscious effort to address cat-calling and increase awareness of its psychological repercussions, we can move towards gender equality.  Teach young women the difference between flattery and disrespect — being shouted at and degraded is not a compliment nor should these insults be taken passively.  Teach young men to stand up to cat-callers and stop being bystanders to harassment. 

Teach young women the difference between flattery and disrespect.

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The efforts towards combatting cat-calling are garnering attention both in the media and on the streets.  One YouTube video titled 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman shows clips of a young woman being followed by men, receiving remarks like ‘you should say thank you more’ and ‘God bless you Mami.’  Additionally, over 50 signs reading, ‘No Catcalling Anytime’ and ‘No Catcall Zone,’ have been posted throughout New York City through a new initiative to raise awareness and minimize cat-calling.  Educating the general public on the implications of these remarks and advocating for cat-calling intolerance are steps in the right direction.

Women, don't compromise the proudest parts of yourself to misogyny — stand dignified in the presence of adversity and initiate dialogue about this injustice.  And for the cat-callers, stop.  Trying to impress your friends by disgracing a woman is not impressive at all; it’s just pathetic.

 

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