I was in downtown Naperville the other day. Just walking around with a few friends, two of whom were female. In the two hours we were there, my friends were catcalled three times. Although they were far less surprised than I was, it was worth acknowledging that their disgust still rivaled my own.
With my mood thoroughly soured, the rest of my day was spent in frustration of men who are so devoid of sympathy that they think street harassment is a good idea. With the MeToo movement coming to a peak in the past twelve months, more research and thought have gone into inter-gender relations and why there are so many unpleasant interactions.
William Castello, a professor and physiatrist at St. John’s University, did a study to look into the motives behind catcalling and he concluded that low self-esteem is the leading cause. Castello claims growing up in an environment of competition and hostility creates young men who feel an obligation to portray themselves as the roughest.
Geraldine Cicero, another professor from St. John’s, gave a recollection of when a group of men called to her on the streets when she was just 11 years old. Decades later, one clear memory has a powerful impact on her life as well as her perception of the world.
Stories such as Professor Cicero’s rally all rational people behind a need for change. Cicero, and many others, believe that through the ideals of chivalry, men and women can take responsibility for protecting and honoring those around them and practice respect.
