Objectification Of Women Persuasive Speech

For the ladies, how many of you have ever gone out for a jog around your neighborhood and have had someone honk at you, or call out at you as you ran by? Gentlemen, how many of you have ever whistled or yelled out incessant comments to women you see on the street? How did they respond? Chances are the response was not a positive one. For years, women have been objectified and for years, it has been an issue that continues to go by ignored. Women should be allowed to wear what they want to, act how they want to, and feel empowered by themselves without a man trying to objectify them at every corner. Women do not need men’s validation of what they wear to know they look good; they are wearing it for a reason, they already know they …show more content…
Cat calling is one form of objectification of women; to make a whistle, shout, or comment of sexual nature to a woman passing by. That act alone only supports and expands the epidemic issue of gender roles and male superiority. This is not to say that compliments are unwelcome; compliments are always appreciated, but not when they make the person feel small or threatened. It is not a compliment if the person feels disrespected; compliments are respectful. Saying things like, “Hey, excuse me. I would hate to bother you, but I just wanted to tell you, you look lovely today.” Or, “Nice shirt, where did you get it?” Those are compliments and will most likely be rewarded with a better response than if something demeaning and/or offensive was said. For example, a whistle or a smooch do not in any way improve a woman’s confidence. Women are not your pets, do not call out to them as if they are animals. Saying things like, “Yo ma, that ass is fat.” is borderline sexual harassment, and makes women feel unsafe, uncomfortable, and vulnerable. There are enough real threats in the world, there is no need to create more fear with cat calling and unwanted attention. Although a few vulgar gestures may seem harmless, it does not take much to turn street harassment into violence. As stated by Tara Culp-Ressler in her article, a woman in Detroit was shot and killed after refusing to give a stranger her …show more content…
One man actually said in an interview with Huff Post on cat calling, “If you have a beautiful body, why can’t I say something?” and, “It’s freedom of speech!” Yes, freedom of speech is valid but women were not made for men’s entertainment. Women’s bodies are their own and are not there for men to comment on just because they can. Women do not leave their house in the hopes that someone might notice them and comment on what they look like, it is quite the opposite. It is okay to notice a woman’s confidence as she knows she looks good walking down the street, but do not feel entitled to comment. If you want to appease a woman, compliment her brain or her smile. In that same interview by Huff Post, a few teenage boys were asked, “Would you be happy if someone did that to your sister or your mom?” They immediately shook their heads saying, “Hell no, no.” Yet, moments before, the oldest of the boys said, “If a girl comes out in tight leggings, and you can see something back there... I’m saying