Catcalling: Compliment or Harassment?
“If your flirting strategy is indistinguishable from harassment,
it's not everyone else that's the problem.”- John Scalzi
Catcalling is a global problem. The issue has become a hot topic in recent weeks. However, I find it strange even disturbing that some women and men are unfamiliar with the term. On the other hand, in the Jamaican context very few of us refer to sexual harassment of women on the streets by men by that terminology. Historically, we have nurtured a culture in which men view women’s bodies with a sense of entitlement and this sense of claim has led us to where we are. Over the years catcalling has become associated with the construction of not only Jamaican masculinity but with masculinity in general. Men are wired differently from women. Men hunt with their eyes; therefore women will always be the focus of attention in a heterosexual context. In a society where homophobia is ever present boys are socialized from early to prove their heterosexuality. One way in which this evidence is presented to the wider society is through the medium of catcalling. Catcalling has nothing to do with what a woman is wearing. It is done to intimidate and drive fear into the female. There is one school of thought that catcalling is merely done to compliment. One can argue that the more vulgar, demeaning and crude the catcalling is by the male the more likely the society will view him as being straight. Catcalling can also be a tool to deflect one’s true sexual orientation, this especially when men are together. Catcalling is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as shouting harassing and often sexually suggestive, threatening or derisive comments at someone publicly. Another source Womens Republic defines catcalling as a term referring to when a man whistles, yells, hollers or makes a comment to a woman in a sexual manner. It is regrettable that most women have or will experience some form of catcalling during the course of their life. Amidst a rape culture it is not difficult to see why catcalling has become problematic for some women. According to research from street-harassment group Hollaback and Cornell University, catcalling is primarily targeted at women and perpetrated by men. A 2014 survey revealed that 71 per cent of women experience street harassment for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17, and more than 50 per cent of women have been fondled and groped on the street. A colleague of mine who I will refer to as Miss Baby says, “I have mixed views truthfully. On one hand some women are extremists and forget that a woman was deliberately fashioned for the attraction and pleasure of a man… and so instinctively men will make passes. (Not every pass or sexual remark is more than that.) Miss Baby continues, there is the difference in socialization that affects different approaches. The man selling in the market who says baby mi like yuh frame is saying the same thing as the learned man who says you look beautiful or I like your figure. Granted, baby is too personal but he may not know such subtleties.” Miss Baby is the mother of two boys and revealed that she had a recent experience of catcalling. She added that, “On the other hand, some men who insist on male privilege, make it hard for those with whom they interact not to read them as being rude and disrespectful etc. In most if not all societies patriarchy is alive and well. The patriarchal tentacles are pervasive and give permission to catcalling in the society. Catcalling cuts across all social classes. The only difference might be the use of language as mentioned by Miss Baby earlier.
Male Gender Privilege
We live in the world in which patriarchy is king. Some of the perks in this kingdom are privilege and power. Mark Figueroa, is of the view that males have been privileged historically and that males have had, and continue to have, access to a broader social space in the Jamaican society. Men have had greater control over a wider range of resources and have been more able to enjoy the resources that they control. Figueroa postulates that the historical structure of male privileging can be linked to how boys are socialized. Boys, Figueroa argues, are deficient of the certain skills. In referencing these skill sets one can make a connection that one of the skills lacking in how boys are reared rests in their approach in complimenting a member of the opposite without using indecent and abusive language.
Males are socialized in a gendered ways given their ascribed privilege in the society. Catcalling is merely an extension of male privilege. A male colleague Tony commented, “I think sometimes it’s just the way we do it. I believe catcalling can be done decently.” I asked Tony age 40 who is college educated to explain decent catcalling. He added, “Sometimes people will shout out to a woman in a crowded place. Sometimes you can catcall with a nice tone of voice, Lol! You don’t have to whistle.” Regardless of the sex of the individual there seems to be a consensus that catcalling is harassment. Miss Neds who is a trained teacher, stated, “Catcalling is a form of harassment. It can be insulting and embarrassing too. There should be some sort of consequence for people doing it.” Miss Tesha is of the view that once you entertain men who catcall they tend to go further. She said” I just play polite or give a smile and go on.” Miss Cheffield says, if catcalling is done in a humane way then it is complimentary. “If it gets vulgar and indecent then it’s not appreciated. Sometimes it gets physical.” She shared that she no longer wears tights. She said she had to run away from a man who wanted to touch her the last time she wore tights. Miss Cheffield who is 58, added that the physical form of catcalling was too frequent in downtown Kingston. She concluded that it’s the attractiveness of the person’s body and not the age of the female which is a contributing factor in catcalling.
Social Activism and Advocacy
And indeed some men have done more than catcalling. Women have had to organize themselves in fighting back against harassment they face not only on the streets but in the workplace. The “Me Too” phrase was created by social activist and community organizer Tarana Burke in 2006. The Me Too movement is one against sexual harassment and sexual assault. The movement was created to promote empowerment through empathy among women who experience sexual abuse. The movement has grown to be an international one with the hashtag #MeToo trending in close to 100 countries. It is this sense of entitlement which some men ascribed to which has led some men to move from the spoken words to becoming physical. Popular culture has and continues to play a significant role in reinforcing the catcalling among the male population. Dancehall music in particular with its lewd lyrics and demeaning words to women is undoubtedly contributing to the keeping the catcalling subculture alive. These lyrics are often sexually explicit and speak of the female anatomy in a crude manner. A significant amount of the lyrical content has its genesis in sexism and gender-based violence. It is rather interesting though that women are the overwhelming supporters of these dee-jays. It is a paradox of sorts. I suspect that the reality is that some women do not find catcalling to be a problem. I also think those women are in the minority. The issue of catcalling objectifies women. Some might go as far as stating that catcalling is a sexist tool which is being used to keep women in their traditional role as nurturers and subservient to men. In many jurisdictions there are sexual harassment legislations which allow for women and men to seek redress through the courts for sexual harassment.
Jamaica is moving to join those countries. Catcalling is illegal in Belgium, France and Portugal. Street harassers are fined in New Zealand. In Canada there is a public street harassment law under which catcalling can be addressed. In the United States of America, street harassment laws depend on the State For example in New York one can be fined $250 for street harassment. In the British county of Nottinghamshire Street harassment is considered a hate crime. Jamaica’s Sexual Harassment Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 9 by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange. Unfortunately Jamaica’s sexual harassment bill only addresses harassment which is employment- related occurring in institutions, or arising in the landlord tenant relationship. The Bill is not as comprehensive as it could have been. Women and girls are still left to fend for themselves on the streets from thirsty men as a colleague Kim refers to such actions. In some inner-city communities girls are afraid to walk by themselves due to the ferociousness of catcalling by men. In some instances an older male relative usually accompanies that girl or the mother. Sadly, life continues and no one speaks on behalf of those women and girls. The Women’s groups in Jamaica are very silent on the issue. Catcalling is a learnt behavior, if therefore means this behavior can be unlearnt. We need to infuse gender-relations as a separate module in the National Standards Curriculum. Our students should be exposed this content from as early as grade 1 in order to bring out the desired change we hope to see in the society. It is obvious that there is an urgent need for an extensive public education campaign to facilitate some discussion in order to improve gender relations in the society. . Women should be greeted and approached respectfully. In order for the society to attain sustainable development women must feel safe in and around the space they live, work and navigate.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#catcalling #sexism #masculinity #sexualharassment #socialization #education #gender #homophobia
Catcalling is a global problem. The issue has become a hot topic in recent weeks. However, I find it strange even disturbing that some women and men are unfamiliar with the term. On the other hand, in the Jamaican context very few of us refer to sexual harassment of women on the streets by men by that terminology. Historically, we have nurtured a culture in which men view women’s bodies with a sense of entitlement and this sense of claim has led us to where we are. Over the years catcalling has become associated with the construction of not only Jamaican masculinity but with masculinity in general. Men are wired differently from women. Men hunt with their eyes; therefore women will always be the focus of attention in a heterosexual context. In a society where homophobia is ever present boys are socialized from early to prove their heterosexuality. One way in which this evidence is presented to the wider society is through the medium of catcalling. Catcalling has nothing to do with what a woman is wearing. It is done to intimidate and drive fear into the female. There is one school of thought that catcalling is merely done to compliment. One can argue that the more vulgar, demeaning and crude the catcalling is by the male the more likely the society will view him as being straight. Catcalling can also be a tool to deflect one’s true sexual orientation, this especially when men are together. Catcalling is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as shouting harassing and often sexually suggestive, threatening or derisive comments at someone publicly. Another source Womens Republic defines catcalling as a term referring to when a man whistles, yells, hollers or makes a comment to a woman in a sexual manner. It is regrettable that most women have or will experience some form of catcalling during the course of their life. Amidst a rape culture it is not difficult to see why catcalling has become problematic for some women. According to research from street-harassment group Hollaback and Cornell University, catcalling is primarily targeted at women and perpetrated by men. A 2014 survey revealed that 71 per cent of women experience street harassment for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17, and more than 50 per cent of women have been fondled and groped on the street. A colleague of mine who I will refer to as Miss Baby says, “I have mixed views truthfully. On one hand some women are extremists and forget that a woman was deliberately fashioned for the attraction and pleasure of a man… and so instinctively men will make passes. (Not every pass or sexual remark is more than that.) Miss Baby continues, there is the difference in socialization that affects different approaches. The man selling in the market who says baby mi like yuh frame is saying the same thing as the learned man who says you look beautiful or I like your figure. Granted, baby is too personal but he may not know such subtleties.” Miss Baby is the mother of two boys and revealed that she had a recent experience of catcalling. She added that, “On the other hand, some men who insist on male privilege, make it hard for those with whom they interact not to read them as being rude and disrespectful etc. In most if not all societies patriarchy is alive and well. The patriarchal tentacles are pervasive and give permission to catcalling in the society. Catcalling cuts across all social classes. The only difference might be the use of language as mentioned by Miss Baby earlier.
Male Gender Privilege
We live in the world in which patriarchy is king. Some of the perks in this kingdom are privilege and power. Mark Figueroa, is of the view that males have been privileged historically and that males have had, and continue to have, access to a broader social space in the Jamaican society. Men have had greater control over a wider range of resources and have been more able to enjoy the resources that they control. Figueroa postulates that the historical structure of male privileging can be linked to how boys are socialized. Boys, Figueroa argues, are deficient of the certain skills. In referencing these skill sets one can make a connection that one of the skills lacking in how boys are reared rests in their approach in complimenting a member of the opposite without using indecent and abusive language.
Males are socialized in a gendered ways given their ascribed privilege in the society. Catcalling is merely an extension of male privilege. A male colleague Tony commented, “I think sometimes it’s just the way we do it. I believe catcalling can be done decently.” I asked Tony age 40 who is college educated to explain decent catcalling. He added, “Sometimes people will shout out to a woman in a crowded place. Sometimes you can catcall with a nice tone of voice, Lol! You don’t have to whistle.” Regardless of the sex of the individual there seems to be a consensus that catcalling is harassment. Miss Neds who is a trained teacher, stated, “Catcalling is a form of harassment. It can be insulting and embarrassing too. There should be some sort of consequence for people doing it.” Miss Tesha is of the view that once you entertain men who catcall they tend to go further. She said” I just play polite or give a smile and go on.” Miss Cheffield says, if catcalling is done in a humane way then it is complimentary. “If it gets vulgar and indecent then it’s not appreciated. Sometimes it gets physical.” She shared that she no longer wears tights. She said she had to run away from a man who wanted to touch her the last time she wore tights. Miss Cheffield who is 58, added that the physical form of catcalling was too frequent in downtown Kingston. She concluded that it’s the attractiveness of the person’s body and not the age of the female which is a contributing factor in catcalling.
Social Activism and Advocacy
And indeed some men have done more than catcalling. Women have had to organize themselves in fighting back against harassment they face not only on the streets but in the workplace. The “Me Too” phrase was created by social activist and community organizer Tarana Burke in 2006. The Me Too movement is one against sexual harassment and sexual assault. The movement was created to promote empowerment through empathy among women who experience sexual abuse. The movement has grown to be an international one with the hashtag #MeToo trending in close to 100 countries. It is this sense of entitlement which some men ascribed to which has led some men to move from the spoken words to becoming physical. Popular culture has and continues to play a significant role in reinforcing the catcalling among the male population. Dancehall music in particular with its lewd lyrics and demeaning words to women is undoubtedly contributing to the keeping the catcalling subculture alive. These lyrics are often sexually explicit and speak of the female anatomy in a crude manner. A significant amount of the lyrical content has its genesis in sexism and gender-based violence. It is rather interesting though that women are the overwhelming supporters of these dee-jays. It is a paradox of sorts. I suspect that the reality is that some women do not find catcalling to be a problem. I also think those women are in the minority. The issue of catcalling objectifies women. Some might go as far as stating that catcalling is a sexist tool which is being used to keep women in their traditional role as nurturers and subservient to men. In many jurisdictions there are sexual harassment legislations which allow for women and men to seek redress through the courts for sexual harassment.
Jamaica is moving to join those countries. Catcalling is illegal in Belgium, France and Portugal. Street harassers are fined in New Zealand. In Canada there is a public street harassment law under which catcalling can be addressed. In the United States of America, street harassment laws depend on the State For example in New York one can be fined $250 for street harassment. In the British county of Nottinghamshire Street harassment is considered a hate crime. Jamaica’s Sexual Harassment Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 9 by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange. Unfortunately Jamaica’s sexual harassment bill only addresses harassment which is employment- related occurring in institutions, or arising in the landlord tenant relationship. The Bill is not as comprehensive as it could have been. Women and girls are still left to fend for themselves on the streets from thirsty men as a colleague Kim refers to such actions. In some inner-city communities girls are afraid to walk by themselves due to the ferociousness of catcalling by men. In some instances an older male relative usually accompanies that girl or the mother. Sadly, life continues and no one speaks on behalf of those women and girls. The Women’s groups in Jamaica are very silent on the issue. Catcalling is a learnt behavior, if therefore means this behavior can be unlearnt. We need to infuse gender-relations as a separate module in the National Standards Curriculum. Our students should be exposed this content from as early as grade 1 in order to bring out the desired change we hope to see in the society. It is obvious that there is an urgent need for an extensive public education campaign to facilitate some discussion in order to improve gender relations in the society. . Women should be greeted and approached respectfully. In order for the society to attain sustainable development women must feel safe in and around the space they live, work and navigate.
In the words of Celeste Ng, if you see harassment happening
speak up. Being harassed is terrible; having bystanders pretend they don’t
notice is infinitely worse.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an
interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#catcalling #sexism #masculinity #sexualharassment #socialization #education #gender #homophobia
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