No, I am not saying that women are targeted with violence, necessarily,
or that it is only women who can feel uncomfortable on the streets. However, the
issue I want to tackle here is leering and cat-calling. Honking horns and
shouting derogatory requests at women who are minding their own business. The main
perpetrators are men, and while I understand most men refrain from this
behavior, I will be using the collective “men.”
I am far from the only one who is disturbed by men dragging
their eyes across me as I make my way to the library on foot. Walking the
streets of any city a woman will find herself objectified through the loudly yelled “I’d fuck you” and “blow me”.
Even state parks aren’t safe, it seems. Just the other day I
was hiking, and a man basically undressed me with his eyes. No, not just a
quick look. A long, draw out gaze as I rounded a bend in the trail. These
instances make me uncomfortable beyond measure, and, frankly, I am fed up with
it.
This constant behavior that is often exhibited by some—but not
all—men nearly dehumanizes women. It objectifies them and makes them nothing
more than a Barbie doll in a shop window.
Men need to get it into their heads that women do not enjoy
this. It is not flattering, it is not welcome. The only fit descriptions for
this practice are disrespectful, annoying, uncomfortable, and borderline
threatening.
Keep your eyes, please, or I will take them out for you.
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