Is a smile harassment?
I'm a little late to the modern idea of street harassment, though I've understood classic catcalling to be obnoxious for a long time. It's hard to think about things you don't experience.
I initially balked at the idea that complimenting a stranger could be harassment. Especially watching the video that sparked the topic 8 years ago, as it seemed extremely mild across the board. However, after reading up I quickly came around to the idea. Thinking about it from the perspective of someone facing unsolicited comments on a regular basis, who would want that? The power/race/sex/etc dynamics that can be involved, consciously or not, among other things. It's all pretty obvious in hindsight, but not obvious at all beforehand.
Serendipitously the next day I saw a woman whose attire was phenomenal and felt compelled to compliment her. I resisted the temptation and didn't even look at her, as I overtook her slower pace. It felt a bit strange but it'll be a short adjustment phase. I get it. If it were someone of my non-preferred sex, would I feel compelled to make the same comment? Very unlikely. Thus there is a dynamic there that indicates silence is correct.
Interesting to see that some jurisdictions have started criminalizing street harrassment as well. Social mores move fast.
The way my mind works though, I eventually took it all to its logical conclusion: Is a smile harassment? That thought made me laugh out loud. When I googled it, sadly not a single person has ever publicly posted this thought. Maybe I'll remember to check again in 10 years.
I don't think it is, but neither did I think compliments were until a few days ago. I could come around to the idea someday.
I initially balked at the idea that complimenting a stranger could be harassment. Especially watching the video that sparked the topic 8 years ago, as it seemed extremely mild across the board. However, after reading up I quickly came around to the idea. Thinking about it from the perspective of someone facing unsolicited comments on a regular basis, who would want that? The power/race/sex/etc dynamics that can be involved, consciously or not, among other things. It's all pretty obvious in hindsight, but not obvious at all beforehand.
Serendipitously the next day I saw a woman whose attire was phenomenal and felt compelled to compliment her. I resisted the temptation and didn't even look at her, as I overtook her slower pace. It felt a bit strange but it'll be a short adjustment phase. I get it. If it were someone of my non-preferred sex, would I feel compelled to make the same comment? Very unlikely. Thus there is a dynamic there that indicates silence is correct.
Interesting to see that some jurisdictions have started criminalizing street harrassment as well. Social mores move fast.
The way my mind works though, I eventually took it all to its logical conclusion: Is a smile harassment? That thought made me laugh out loud. When I googled it, sadly not a single person has ever publicly posted this thought. Maybe I'll remember to check again in 10 years.
I don't think it is, but neither did I think compliments were until a few days ago. I could come around to the idea someday.