MORE BLOGS: Blurt | Stuck in VT | Solid State

Seven Days Blogs: Mistress Maeve

« Protective Parents | Main | Not even "remotely" hot. »

Monday, July 28, 2008

Hey, Baby...

I was walking up Bank Street in Burlington a few weeks ago and noticed three construction workers walking up an alley toward me. One of them whistled and another called out something like, "Hey darlin'!"

Uh, was I really just catcalled by middle-aged construction dudes in Burlington, Vermont?

At first, I felt embarrassed, then my embarrassment turned to anger — I mean, WTF! As I hurriedly kept walking, hoping to turn the corner before they emerged onto the street, I had a split second where I actually felt sexier than usual, which was quickly replaced with an overwhelming sense of feminist guilt — how dare I allow their intrusion on my time and space lift me up in some way.

Blah. My point is, their annoying vocal advances messed up my flow for a couple minutes, and I didn't like it. Not to mention, I know many women who, because of various painful past experiences, would be traumatized by an ominous-looking group of dudes walking towards them, making sexual comments. So, guys, please: Shut the fuck up and be respectful. It's not too much to ask.

In doing a little research about catcalling, I came upon a blog titled Holla Back NYC. Holla Back encourages New Yorkers to snap pics and vids of street harassers and send them in for publication:

"Holla Back NYC empowers New Yorkers to Holla Back at street harassers. Whether you're commuting, lunching, partying, dancing, walking, chilling, drinking, or sunning, you have the right to feel safe, confident, and sexy, without being the object of some turd's fantasy. So stop walkin' on and Holla Back: Send us pics of street harassers!"

Is this shit legal?

Whistles and hollas,
MM

blog comments powered by Disqus
All Rights Reserved © SEVEN DAYS 1995-2010 | PO Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402-1164 | 802.864.5684