After our discussion about Catcalling in class on Thursday, I
have really been paying attention to it.
Yesterday I was in New Orleans riding in a Mardi Gras parade. The weekend before Mardi Gras is most commonly
referred to as Family Gras. You generally
avoid people flashing you and being thrown up on. Even still, the amount of catcalling going on
amazed me. Not only was it young guys
trying to get the special beads, but it was also older men in front of their
wives and children. My least favorite, I
have decided, is baby. I was called baby
so many times I can’t even count. This pet
name encourages the infantile portrayal of women, which perpetuates the idea
that women are dependent on men. As much
fun as riding in a parade was, I could have done without the, “throw me
something good, baby.”
I find it interesting that you brought this up, especially in its relation to Mardi Gras and other public celebrations. I wonder if these men would normally feel like this is appropriate or if they feel like it is more acceptable because of the group mentality.
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