I remember the night it happened vividly because it began as a proud evening for me. I made my way solo from Alley Cat Fitness gym to my brother's apartment. It’s not a long walk (or a dangerous one for that matter) but it’s outside of the straight shot routes that I’m most comfortable with between my brother's place, the hostel I'm always hanging out at, and my apartment. This walk required a bit more navigation- knowing where to turn, which alley to take, etc. It wasn’t late – not even 9 P.M. – but I did feel nervous. I felt men’s eyes on me and under the blanket of night, I didn’t feel as out of their reach.
By the time I arrived at my brother's door my knuckles were white from squeezing my keys so tightly. I felt proud of my independent moment but also ashamed to live in a world where I have to fear the night, not because of wild animals but because of savage men. That I have to carefully construct every aspect of my body language and facial expressions to ward off unwanted advances. I wish I could say this is a phenomenon specific to Panama, but I felt its effects on the streets encompassing The University of Arizona's campus as well. Our women shouldn’t have to live in its clutches. In the meantime, dreaming of change, I kept sharp keys in my claws when I ventured into the night and hoped that one day a “catcall” will be just another english idiom without meaning.
How do you feel about this issue?
Have you ever been catcalled?
Were you made to feel silly or dramatic for how you reacted?
Let's start a discussion about this. Because that's one thing I (and you) can do.
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