(*This article is specifically referring to street harassment of women by male strangers, but does not mean to imply that that is the only type of street harassment. It does not mean to invalidate or deny existence of other forms of harassment.)
Street harassment is certainly not a new phenomenon; unfortunately, it seems to be one that is continually underestimated. Many women have endured countless catcalls, whistles, and nasty comments from complete strangers on a regular basis. These incidents alienate women from public spaces, since it makes for an unsafe and uncomfortable environment.
Such incidents are particularly alarming because violent words can and often do lead to violent actions against women. Remarks are implicitly threatening and define women as sexual objects, rather than as friends, neighbors, and fellow human beings. Once perpetrators begin to see women in this image, it can lead to results beyond inappropriate remarks. Is threatening a woman a much bigger step from unwelcome and blunt “flirtation”? What about touching her? What about forced sexual acts? Although unwelcome dialog can stand on its own, the problem can escalate in a quick and dangerous cycle.
In order to avoid provoking attacks, women are told to ignore comments, keep their heads down, walk more quickly, or dress more conservatively. This advice, however well-intended it may be, perpetuates victim blaming. If a woman is harassed or assaulted, it is not because of what she is wearing, how she looks, or how she acts. It is not because she provoked it. It is because the other person cannot or will not control himself and he is completely responsible for his actions.
When I have been the subject of random harassment in the past, I felt ashamed and humiliated. I had wished I could have conveyed to those people how inappropriate it was and that it made me uncomfortable, but my younger self was embarrassed and I felt silenced. Since then, I’ve still experienced an unwarranted share of harassment from strangers, but now I realize that I have other options besides remaining unspoken.
Assertive responses seem to be a successful approach. The perpetrator may be taken aback because I am stepping outside their preconceived idea of me: being compliant with whatever comes out of their mouth. Keeping calm (even if I am not!) is important, because projecting anger or aggression can elevate the situation and can cause the perpetrator to become angered or aggressive. Maintaining a controlled tone and using statements rather than requests project that I am in control. I do not apologize or say “excuse me”, but if I feel safe doing so, I give a direct command: “Stop doing this.” There is no obligation to engage in dialog with the perpetrator. If they want to talk back, I try to just repeat myself and leave.
Indirect action to combat harassment may also be helpful. Stop Street Harassment and The Street Harassment Project provide some fantastic flyers and cards which can be posted or displayed in vulnerable areas. These can promote conversations about harassment which help promote the idea that this is everyone’s issue. Women have the right to be in public places without incident. Men have the right to not be feared because of a number of perpetrators giving them a negative reputation. Conversations keep this an active issue. No one should have to put up with harassment, and silence can be an indirect form of acceptance.
If I’m in a public place and I experience street harassment, I get the message that as a woman, I am unwelcome in public space. Anyone should feel entitled to walk somewhere safely, without risk of harassment or worse. Unfortunately as long as harassment exists, this will not be the case, but this is unacceptable. These comments are unwelcome, they are inappropriate, and they need to stop altogether.
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