Catcalling May Become Illegal in France. Should We do the Same?
In a meeting discussing catcalling, the first words out of a man's mouth "isn't it a compliment?" No dude, it's not! I'm having a hard time thinking of a single time a guy has "catcalled" that I considered it a compliment. That's not me being sensitive or a prude (as I've heard some say about those that complain about catcalls). Yelling at me from your car or making lewd comments most definitely does not constitute as a compliment in my eyes. And sorry guys, chivalry is not dead. Boys that catcall are not the kind of person I would date. Try being a gentleman!
In a recent survey, 65% of women in the United States say that they've experienced some form of street harassment. Whether it be inappropriate comments, whistling or other harassing acts like following her. According Stop Street Harassment, "among all women, 23% had been sexually touched, 20% had been followed, and 9% had been forced to do something sexual."
France has a new Gender Equality Minister, and she's the one behind this push to make catcalling illegal. She wants men to be fined on the spot for street harassment. Her goal: to make public spaces safer for women and girls.
The New York Times says "proposals are under discussion to fine men for aggressive catcalling or lecherous behavior toward women in public." The amount a person would be fined is unclear at this time.
What do you think of this decision?