How Does YCM Feel About Catcalling?

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

But it is being used to refer to the people giving simple compliments.  Some people consider that harassment.  I don't.  

Did I miss the part they said that that was catcalling? Or where they said every bit of that was all equally bad?

Simple compliments aren't bad.

Catcalling, as it is being referred to in this thread, is not simple compliments.

[Shradow]

This thread isn't the authority on catcalling though, just because you don't think the word refers to that, others do. The video did, at least that's what it seemed like, otherwise those simple compliments wouldn't have been included. I read through the comments on it, where a lot of people also consider simple compliments a form of catcalling.

 

I could make a thread about tomatoes, and lets say I considered them vegetables (I don't, this is an example). Just because that's what I'm referring to tomatoes as doesn't mean I can instantly disregard anything about people calling them fruits just because it goes against what my idea of a tomato was when making the thread.

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

This thread isn't the authority on catcalling though, just because you don't think the word refers to that, others do. The video did, at least that's what it seemed like, and I read through the comments on it, where a lot of people also thought the same.

 

I could make a thread about tomatoes, and lets say I thought they were vegetables (I don't, this is an example). Just because that's what I'm referring to tomatoes as doesn't mean I can instantly disregard anything about people calling them fruits.

But my point is that I'm talking about a certain, specific act that people refer to as catcalling.

In fact the tomatoes thing is more in my favor. Tenta is disregarding that the catcalling I'm talking about is a bad thing, because his idea of what catcalling is isn't as bad.

[Shradow]

Is that what you're getting from him? Doesn't seem like that at all to me.

 

He's acknowledging the fact that, to some people, catcalling can include anything from, "Hey, sexy!" to "Good morning." He agrees that the former is bad, while saying the term being generalized to include stuff like the latter is unfair and just makes things confusing.

[Tentacruel]

But my point is that I'm talking about a certain, specific act that people refer to as catcalling.
In fact the tomatoes thing is more in my favor. Tenta is disregarding that the catcalling I'm talking about is a bad thing, because his idea of what catcalling is isn't as bad.

Except no I'm not.
 

"Hey you have a sweet ass," is obnoxious,

 

 

I never implied that following people around for 5 minutes is a good thing to do.  I have a problem with a lot of the discussion growing around these things and the concept of "rape culture."  You're disregarding everyone who doesn't share your definition. 

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

I never implied that following people around for 5 minutes is a good thing to do.  I have a problem with a lot of the discussion growing around these things and the concept of "rape culture."  You're disregarding everyone who doesn't share your definition. 

Except your response to me was to share that video with absolutely no context or opinion on your own. And then go on to say that the point of that was to show that your definition of catcalling is the correct one and that it shouldn't be used. What am I supposed to get out of that?

I never even said that was my definition, I said that's what this thread seems to be referring to as the definition.

All I have been saying from the start was that, in the context that I was talking about, it's bad. And just because some people take it too far does not make it any less bad.

Yet you continue to shove it down my throat how wrong I am for not just saying "Oh no, you're totally right, that's what catcalling is."

 

And Shradow, I didn't generalize it though, if anything he's the only one generalizing it here..

[Shradow]

You're only talking about the offensive, demeaning kind of catcalling, yes. But you don't speak for the whole thread. Multiple people have mentioned the simple compliments being a part of it alongside the bad form of it.

 

I never said you were generalizing. You're doing the opposite, and disregarding anything else but what you think of the term in this thread.

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

You're only talking about the offensive, demeaning kind of catcalling, yes. But you don't speak for the whole thread. Multiple people have mentioned the simple compliments being a part of it alongside the bad form of it.

 

I never said you were generalizing. You're doing the opposite, and disregarding anything else but what you think of the term in this thread.

Yeah, I know, and I agree that simple compliments are okay. But I am just saying that I don't think that detracts from the negativity of the other kind. Which, every time I've said that I've been told why my thinking is wrong. So why wouldn't I think others are saying that it does detract from the negativity?

I'm not disregarding it, I've been saying that I think that specific thing is bad, and then I'm disagreed with. Despite that apparently you all agree with it.

I was ASKED to define it, so I defined it. And then I was told I was wrong.

[Shradow]

Yeah, I know, and I agree that simple compliments are okay. But I am just saying that I don't think that detracts from the negativity of the other kind. Which, every time I've said that I've been told why my thinking is wrong. So why wouldn't I think others are saying that it does detract from the negativity?

 

No one has said they think it detracts from the negativity of the other kind. No one has told you that you were wrong for not thinking it does that. No one's disagreed with you on the bad stuff being bad and the good stuff being good.

 

We've merely been saying that there's another use of the term than what you consider it, because a lot of people have a different definition of the word that you do; a definition that includes simple compliments. That's not to say that the simple compliment catcalling detracts from the obnoxious catcalling.

[Tentacruel]

Yeah, I know, and I agree that simple compliments are okay. But I am just saying that I don't think that detracts from the negativity of the other kind. Which, every time I've said that I've been told why my thinking is wrong. So why wouldn't I think others are saying that it does detract from the negativity?

I'm not disregarding it, I've been saying that I think that specific thing is bad, and then I'm disagreed with. Despite that apparently you all agree with it.

I was ASKED to define it, so I defined it. And then I was told I was wrong.

You said 

 

 I have never heard someone call that a catcall. 

 

Now you have. 

[JadenxAtemYAOI]

To me, there's a difference between catcalling and harmful sexual advances. I don't care much for catcalling.

[Tentacruel]

To me, there's a difference between catcalling and harmful sexual advances. I don't care much for catcalling.

Exactly. 

[hypebeast]

How else does one meet girls?

[Instinct]

I personally think that catcalling (if we're talking about whistling at a chick) is really awkward if you do that to a stranger just walking by. If it's with a girl you've already established a relationship with, they'll probably just laugh and say "Wow, you can do that?"

[Rapidfire]

Well you see it's rather complicated for most of the male population to understand that harassment isn't okay. So I personally use my colorful vocabulary to try and explain why it would be rather amazing if they could fuck off. 

[Resident Fascist]

Well you see it's rather complicated for most of the male population to understand that harassment isn't okay.

 

This misandry though. Next you'll be telling me to check my privilege, right?

 

As for catcalling, I find it really hard to actually give much of a damn. I don't do it with strangers and as with anything else, I'm quite "short-sighted" when it comes to world problems, I only see the problems in my own life, and the problems in the lives of the people who I care about. Everyone else is basically irrelevant to me. I will admit I do it all the time to my girlfriend, but I guess it really isn't "catcalling" to call someone you're infatuated with and love attractive. With strangers I can see the problem. I mean I've walked past girls who I think are really attractive and thought to myself "She's hot", but never actually said anything because hitting up random girls in the street is just not my thing. That being said, people will be people, people will do it, regardless of what we do, so is there really anything we can do?

[Rapidfire]

This misandry though. Next you'll be telling me to check my privilege, right?

 

As for catcalling, I find it really hard to actually give much of a damn. I don't do it with strangers and as with anything else, I'm quite "short-sighted" when it comes to world problems, I only see the problems in my own life, and the problems in the lives of the people who I care about. Everyone else is basically irrelevant to me. I will admit I do it all the time to my girlfriend, but I guess it really isn't "catcalling" to call someone you're infatuated with and love attractive. With strangers I can see the problem. I mean I've walked past girls who I think are really attractive and thought to myself "She's hot", but never actually said anything because hitting up random girls in the street is just not my thing. That being said, people will be people, people will do it, regardless of what we do, so is there really anything we can do?

Because #notallmen right?

Well I'll be happy to inform you that it's not about you. It will never be about you. 
For the most part every girl has the fear of walking down the street at night. I often find myself clutching my keys so hard that my knuckles turn to a pale white. I know that if I'm to get attacked by a group of guys, who are much stronger and bigger then me, I won't be able to do anything about it. Who knows what will happen to me. Now just for a second imagine what it's like walking down the street with this fear. A cold sweat slowly building up on the back of your neck and your heartbeat quickening as the streetlights get dimmer. Every sound, every movement is a possible threat. Now imagine what it's like when a total stranger tries to make a pass on you. Every rape and murder story your mother has ever told you starts to replay in your mind like its on loop, yet the best you can do is ignore it. Keep walking right? Most of the time that works, but personally I've been in situations where it hasn't.
I don't think you understand what it means to be female in a society catered to males. To me it meant turning around and spitting acid at three teenage boys who's eyes were so clouded by smoke they couldn't hear their thoughts past the empty sweethearts they sent my way. It meant clutching my fists and making eye contact with people who could easily beat the s*** out of me. It meant walking home in a different body. It meant being someone else. It meant dumping any sweet taste my words might leave and turning it into poison. 

Honey, catcalls are more then just words. They are the beginning of what I fear when I walk home. They are the attitude I carry out on the street like my pocket knife. They are the reason so many girls don't make it home that night. I'm sorry to inform you that most catcalls have more then just a "friendly" greeting behind them. 

So please, do tell me how you understand what it's like to be afraid of empty words. 

[.Rooster]

I am scared of taller men because they are instantly the antagonists and women are victims so I am better than you.

 

Males get harassed as well.

[Alice Moonflowyr]

Because #notallmen right?

Well I'll be happy to inform you that it's not about you. It will never be about you. 
For the most part every girl has the fear of walking down the street at night. I often find myself clutching my keys so hard that my knuckles turn to a pale white. I know that if I'm to get attacked by a group of guys, who are much stronger and bigger then me, I won't be able to do anything about it. Who knows what will happen to me. Now just for a second imagine what it's like walking down the street with this fear. A cold sweat slowly building up on the back of your neck and your heartbeat quickening as the streetlights get dimmer. Every sound, every movement is a possible threat. Now imagine what it's like when a total stranger tries to make a pass on you. Every rape and murder story your mother has ever told you starts to replay in your mind like its on loop, yet the best you can do is ignore it. Keep walking right? Most of the time that works, but personally I've been in situations where it hasn't.
I don't think you understand what it means to be female in a society catered to males. To me it meant turning around and spitting acid at three teenage boys who's eyes were so clouded by smoke they couldn't hear their thoughts past the empty sweethearts they sent my way. It meant clutching my fists and making eye contact with people who could easily beat the s*** out of me. It meant walking home in a different body. It meant being someone else. It meant dumping any sweet taste my words might leave and turning it into poison. 

Honey, catcalls are more then just words. They are the beginning of what I fear when I walk home. They are the attitude I carry out on the street like my pocket knife. They are the reason so many girls don't make it home that night. I'm sorry to inform you that most catcalls have more then just a "friendly" greeting behind them. 

So please, do tell me how you understand what it's like to be afraid of empty words. 

See, this is an interesting thing. Because its hilariously biased.

 

That same 'group of guys thats much bigger than you' that you're so afraid of? They arent only going to harass females. Yes, they might be bigger targets, but they sure as hell arent the only ones. Those people will harass ANYONE that looks like a target, male or female. Walk around in any big city and you feel like this, no matter your gender.

 

I'm not disregarding that females are definitely the bigger targets, they are. But the issue of being afraid to walk home at night is NOT just a female issue, its a PEOPLE issue. You could be the prom queen, a buisnessman, a student on the way back from a late study session, whatever. Everybody is afraid to walk home at night, because everybody is a possible target.

[.Rooster]

See, this is an interesting thing. Because its hilariously biased.

 

That same 'group of guys thats much bigger than you' that you're so afraid of? They arent only going to harass females. Yes, they might be bigger targets, but they sure as hell arent the only ones. Those people will harass ANYONE that looks like a target, male or female. Walk around in any big city and you feel like this, no matter your gender.

 

I'm not disregarding that females are definitely the bigger targets, they are. But the issue of being afraid to walk home at night is NOT just a female issue, its a PEOPLE issue. You could be the prom queen, a buisnessman, a student on the way back from a late study session, whatever. Everybody is afraid to walk home at night, because everybody is a possible target.

 

Not everybody is afraid.

[Alice Moonflowyr]

Not everybody is afraid.

Yeah, that was a generalization, and a bad one.

 

But my point still stands. It isnt just women who feel afraid at night.

[.Rooster]

Yeah, that was a generalization, and a bad one.

 

But my point still stands. It isnt just women who feel afraid at night.

 

Yes! My other comment will be the end of me.

[Rapidfire]

See, this is an interesting thing. Because its hilariously biased.

 

That same 'group of guys thats much bigger than you' that you're so afraid of? They arent only going to harass females. Yes, they might be bigger targets, but they sure as hell arent the only ones. Those people will harass ANYONE that looks like a target, male or female. Walk around in any big city and you feel like this, no matter your gender.

 

I'm not disregarding that females are definitely the bigger targets, they are. But the issue of being afraid to walk home at night is NOT just a female issue, its a PEOPLE issue. You could be the prom queen, a buisnessman, a student on the way back from a late study session, whatever. Everybody is afraid to walk home at night, because everybody is a possible target.

Where are your critical reading skills love? You're missing the point I'm making. This is about catcalling. I'm not saying that people in general aren't afraid of walking down the street at night. I'm saying that catcalling adds to the fear that most women have. I'm giving you an explanation as to why they aren't just "pretty" and "empty" words. 
As for the example I used, it may have been bias to the fact that everyone can catcall, but that's not the point. And maybe this is my fault for assuming the level of intelligence of my reader, so let me dumb this down a bit:
Instead of finding ways to take every word I say so bluntly and literally maybe you should be looking at the fact that this is a problem. And don't feel too bad about it, most people's first reaction is to finds ways to fight the issue and not solve it. I'm not saying YOU should go out and play a knight in shining armor. I just think you should be more considerate. I mean here I am trying to show you, and anyone reading this, how terrifying catcalls are and you have the audacity to generalize it to make yourself feel better? That's low bro. 
Catcalling is about the shit women face every time they walk out on the street. 
I would say that you wouldn't understand because you're not a woman, but you are, so it's a bit more upsetting that you flew over my point. 
That being said, I don't want you guys to think that I hate men or anything. But no man will ever understand what it's like being a woman, and no woman will ever understand what it's like being a man. 

[Alice Moonflowyr]

Where are your critical reading skills love? You're missing the point I'm making. This is about catcalling. I'm not saying that people in general aren't afraid of walking down the street at night. I'm saying that catcalling adds to the fear that most women have. I'm giving you an explanation as to why they aren't just "pretty" and "empty" words. 
As for the example I used, it may have been bias to the fact that everyone can catcall, but that's not the point. And maybe this is my fault for assuming the level of intelligence of my reader, so let me dumb this down a bit:
Instead of finding ways to take every word I say so bluntly and literally maybe you should be looking at the fact that this is a problem. And don't feel too bad about it, most people's first reaction is to finds ways to fight the issue and not solve it. I'm not saying YOU should go out and play a knight in shining armor. I just think you should be more considerate. I mean here I am trying to show you, and anyone reading this, how terrifying catcalls are and you have the audacity to generalize it to make yourself feel better? That's low bro. 
Catcalling is about the s*** women face every time they walk out on the street. 
I would say that you wouldn't understand because you're not a woman, but you are, so it's a bit more upsetting that you flew over my point. 
That being said, I don't want you guys to think that I hate men or anything. But no man will ever understand what it's like being a woman, and no woman will ever understand what it's like being a man. 

Please show me where I said that catcalling is just 'pretty and empty' words. Please show me where I said that it doesnt add to the fear. Please show me where I said that it isnt a problem. Please show me where I said that it isnt terrifying.

 

Because I never said any of that. I never said a single word that implied that.

 

Well I'll be happy to inform you that it's not about you. It will never be about you.

Your words. Not mine. YOUR words implied that men face zero problems out on the streets. Don't say things like this if you don't want me to address them.

 

I don't think you understand what it means to be female in a society catered to males.

Also your words. Which, by the way, are total bull. Women are BABIED. Maybe not out on the streets, but in general? Are you kidding me?

By LAW, men cannot be raped. They have no reproductive rights. Men suffer harsher jail sentances for the same crimes. They are raped at the same rate women are, yet are the ones being painted as crude, dumb beasts while women are portrayed as fucking angels. It is near impossible for a man to work around children without being hounded. In almost all cases, men will lose when it comes to things like child custody and alimony. A false rape accusation against a man will ruin his life, whereas a false accusation against a woman treats the man like a selfish pig.

 

This doesnt mean women don't face their own problem, but society is in no way catered to men.

 

That being said, I don't want you guys to think that I hate men or anything.

You arent exactly making that believable. 

[Rapidfire]

 

Please show me where I said that catcalling is just 'pretty and empty' words. Please show me where I said that it doesnt add to the fear. Please show me where I said that it isnt a problem. Please show me where I said that it isnt terrifying.

 

Because I never said any of that. I never said a single word that implied that.

Okay so the "pretty" and "empty" thing I pulled from my first statement, because that's what I was ORIGINALLY talking about. And I'm sorry if I was wrong of me to assume that because you generalized a problem. 

 

 

Your words. Not mine. YOUR words implied that men face zero problems out on the streets. Don't say things like this if you don't want me to address them.

No, not at all. Unless your saying that the handful of men who get catcalled trump the millions of woman that face it. Like I said I'm focusing on the implications of catcalling, not anything else. 

 

 

Also your words. Which, by the way, are total bull. Women are BABIED. Maybe not out on the streets, but in general? Are you kidding me?

By LAW, men cannot be raped. They have no reproductive rights. Men suffer harsher jail sentances for the same crimes. They are raped at the same rate women are, yet are the ones being painted as crude, dumb beasts while women are portrayed as f***ing angels. It is near impossible for a man to work around children without being hounded. In almost all cases, men will lose when it comes to things like child custody and alimony. A false rape accusation against a man will ruin his life, whereas a false accusation against a woman treats the man like a selfish pig.

 

This doesnt mean women don't face their own problem, but society is in no way catered to men.

 

 

Yes, all of those points are valid. Men do face injustice, but it's their world. 

Exhibit A: 
"In 2013, female full-time workers made only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, a gender wage gap of 22 percent. Women, on average, earn less than men in virtually every single occupation for which there is sufficient earnings data for both men and women to calculate an earnings ratio." 
http://www.iwpr.org/initiatives/pay-equity-and-discrimination

 

It get's even worse. It's 66 cents for a black woman, and 54 cents for a Latino woman, I believe (you can correct me if I'm wrong.) 

 

You know how essentials such as toothpaste are exempt from taxes because they are something you need to live off of, wow tampons and pads aren't. 
Which is kinda funny because I can't exactly imagine how me not bleeding everywhere I go for a week isn't a necessarily I need to take care of. 

Everything, down to how women are raised bases their knowledge of the world. We tell little girls to not play in the leaves because their dresses will get dirty. We tell girls to cover up their bodies because premature 13 year old boys can't keep their boners under control. Everything a girl does somehow leads back to what inconveniences a man. 

I can't wear a pair of shorts at school because wow some boy might get distracted by my legs, but he can come to school with his pants below his waist. 

I can't wear a tank top because my body is morally confusing for men. 

I can't be excused from PE because my period pains aren't considered actual pain, but little Jimmy gets a head ache and suddenly he's excused from school. 

I can't be excused even when I'm vomiting in the girls bathroom. 

I can't use the bathroom during class, and am expected to get to my locker, then to the bathroom, change out a tampon, and still make it to the other side of the campus in 5 minutes. 

I can't have sex with a guy without being called a slut, but he can fuck 10 different girls and be called a champion. 

My own body is being misunderstood. 

If I were to have sex with 3 guys they would say I was loose and "worn out." NEWS FLASH the vagina doesn't work like that. 

I can't run for office without someone saying I won't be able to run the country because of my mood swings during my period. 

I can't go through the pain of giving birth without someone comparing it to getting kicked in the balls. 

I can't be assertive without being called a bitch. 

I can't enjoy Starbucks without being called a basic white girl.

I obviously can't play video games without being harassed.

I obviously can't be better then most guys at video games.

 

There are so many things I can't do because it's morally conflicting for men.

As a whole women are not equal to men.

Feminism is about being considered equal to men.