I was catcalled 5 times yesterday in the space of 20 minutes.
What was I wearing?
That’s the next logical question right?
I was wearing what I was wearing above.
Do you NOW think that the catcalling was wrong?
If I showed you a more exposed photo, would they be in the right? “Sexy legs”. I am not my legs, I am an entire body, stop objectifying me.
*wolf whistle*. I am not a dog, don’t whistle at me.
*Oi, sweet cheeks”. Go on, say “Oi” one more time.
These are things I thought.
I did not say them though. Why?
Because I was on a small side street without a single person in sight each time.
My safety is the first thing I consider.
Ditto if it’s dark.
Ditto if I can’t see a main road.
Ditto if they are carrying a bottle or anything that could be used as a weapon.
Ditto if I’m in sight of my home so they know where I live.
This is the reality of living in London.
This is not normal but it is usual.
We have normalised hyper vigilance and it’s become accepted as part of living life in a city as a woman.
I can think all these thoughts quickly because this is a thought pattern that is run FREQUENTLY.
This is how many things go through my head to simply be safe.
I have to bypass wanting to demand respect for my body because I’m concerned with my safety.
Why do we have to choose?
It is not a compliment.
That is not up for debate.
If you are a man that does this, please stop. #ScarredNotScared