Thank you Hannah Price for doing what I always wanted to do: Capturing the act of men catcalling women on the streets. In her photography exhibition “City of Brotherly Love”, the African-Mexican-American photographer shows images she took from cat callers in the streets of Philadelphia in an attempt to ‘explore’ her fascination with street harassment.
As many young urban women, I’ve had my fair share of sexual street harassment. One particular experience is still fresh in my mind. Last week, after a cheerful run in the park, I was on my way home when I happened to glance at the wrong person at the wrong time. A young man in his car put his mouth against the window, making a gesture that could easily be declared the most unflattering sexual gesture known to mankind. In summary, it involved his tongue and two fingers. This uncomplimentary deed made me wonder: Does the man actually think he is seducing me? Is he getting sexually aroused by the act of making such a gesture in public? Would he be doing this all day, to any woman?
Boy, would I have loved to put a mirror in his face (amongst others) to show him how unpleasant he looks from a female perspective. I don’t think he understands what sexual harassment does to us. I’m afraid these men think their behavior is acceptable. And the real pig-headed ones might even think we should be flattered. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of many women I can assure you; we’re far from flattered. It’s repulsive, disrespectful and makes us feel unsafe.
Image credit: Hannah Price
Image credit: Hannah Price
Image credit: Hannah Price
You can see more of Hannah’s work here.
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