Pawgressive Policies
How Catcalling is the new standard for harassment.
Progress on sexual harassment laws has been significant in many parts of the world, but it's important to note that the state of these laws varies widely from one country to another.
I think it goes without saying we acknowledge the severity of overt sexual harassment, yet the line becomes increasingly blurred, for better or worse.
Many countries have updated or expanded their legal definitions of sexual harassment to be more inclusive and reflective of various forms of harassment. Traditional definitions often focused on explicit forms of harassment, but contemporary definitions are more inclusive and recognize various forms of harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, and online harassment. This expansion helps legal systems address the evolving nature of harassment in modern society.
Catcalling is a form of street harassment that involves making unsolicited and often sexually suggestive comments, noises, or gestures towards someone, typically a person of the opposite sex, in a public place. It is generally directed at individuals who are walking or going about their daily activities and is often intended to draw attention to the person's appearance, particularly their physical attributes.
It often objectifies the person being targeted, reducing them to their physical appearance or body parts. It can make individuals feel like they are being judged solely based on their looks, rather than as individuals with thoughts, feelings, and rights.
Laws related to catcalling vary by jurisdiction. In some places, it may be considered a form of harassment or a violation of anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws. However, enforcement can be challenging due to the often transient nature of street harassment incidents. This shows how catcalling is not a compliment, but harassment that can damage individuals.
Anna North
Stéphanie Fillion