The Problematic Nature of Catcalling
Catcalling is a form of street harassment that primarily affects women across all nations. It is any form of verbal harassment to another person in public. Current laws have been changed in France regarding street harassment, with offenders receiving fines on the spot for up to 750 Euros ($1206 AUD). The legislation followed the circulation of a video where, after a street harasser was told to ‘shut up’ after catcalling a woman, he reacted by physically attacking the victim. The flimsy opposition to the amendment is that the ideal of French lovers will be destroyed, an ideal unrelated to the sexual harassment occurring in public. Street harassment is not a new phenomenon, but only recently have legislators have taken action. Other countries like Belgium, Portugal, New Zealand and some states in the US are up to date with street harassment laws. Countries like Argentina who experience high rates of femicide (gendered murder of women), have tried to address severe killing rates ...