Things that rub me the wrong way: Cat Calls, Page 3

PANEL 1

Rachel grabs a frightened catcaller by the collar, looking intimidating against a dark scratchy background.

RACHEL: "Where do you come up with this stuff?"

MAN: "I-I don't know, miss..."

PANEL 2

Close-up of Rachel's angry face as she lectures the cowering man.

RACHEL: "Do you sit around at home, alone, trying to think of ways to ick out the opposite sex, or are you just so socially inept that it's second nature?"

MAN: "Please don't hurt me."

PANEL 3

Rachel looks furious with dramatic action lines radiating behind her. She holds up her fist.

RACHEL: "How dare you degrade me with your unwanted and unchivalrous advances!"

RACHEL: "Now you must pay!"

PANEL 4

Rachel chases the fleeing man through a maze-like background.

RACHEL: "Don't you run away from me! You mess with the cow, you get the horns!"

MAN: "Don't come near me!"

RACHEL: "You brought this on yourself!"

NARRATOR: So much for getting all dressed up!

THE END

I still have no idea what drives men to make these solicitations. The next time it happens to me, I’ll be certain to sit the dude down for an interview. Actually, as I get older, I get less grief. I’m not certain why. I’m sexier than I ever was before. But I’m also way more assertive and confident. Maybe the hoots have nothing to do with how attractive you are. Maybe it’s how vulnerable you look.

Comments (Archived)

  1. Cat

    “Maybe the hoots have nothing to do with how attractive you are. Maybe it’s how vulnerable you look.” That comes off as kind of victim-blaming…

    • Rachel the Great

      No blame intended. I meant it more as a statement on the predatory nature of this behavior, of the strong and cowardly preying on the seemingly meek. We don’t blame children when they are sexually abused. We shouldn’t blame vulnerable-looking women when they’re mistreated, either. It’s false logic, a double standard.