A presumption is that women are being overly sensitive by characterizing almost any form of communication with a stranger as street harassment.

Catcalling, a form of incitement, is defined as an undesirable whistle, shout, or sexual suggestion toward a person that is passing by another pedestrian.

There is an underlying assumption women who willingly paint up their faces and intentionally flaunt their curves are trying to get a man’s attention, even their approval. In other words, when a woman merely steps out in public dressed up by any means, she is clearly asking for it.

Why do men choose to catcall women at all? What is their motivation?

For one thing, it is what men have been doing since the dawn of time—it is almost second-nature. It is also often about mindless competition among friends while defining one’s own masculinity.

Men do not realize that their innocent intentions translate into disrespectful actions and commentary towards women.
So why don’t women feel flattered and take it as a compliment?

There is no feeling of flattery because we live in an age where sexual assault happens to one in every five women in America, according to Linda C. Degutis, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. This is in part due to how society has sexualized women.

Explicitly, the media has shown women walking down the street with gleaming hair and a striking dress, which in effect turns the heads of all spectators.

Men may find themselves in a similar but real life situation;  their heads turned as a sexy, attractive, dolled up woman strolls down the side of the street. So they call out, to “show their appreciation.”

Men may feel they can’t approach a woman without being perceived as creepy, whether it is to pay a compliment or ask a question—the frustration is understandable.

If you want to let a woman know she is beautiful, go ahead. But don’t be surprised if you don’t get a thank you, or any appreciation in return. Be aware of personal boundaries. Do it respectfully. Don’t follow her, and absolutely do not whistle at her. She is not an animal, and she is not yours.