9th

Running head: CAT-CALLING IS NOT A COMPLIMENT

Argumentative Essay Outline: Cat-calling is not a Compliment 

Latifah binti Husaini (1660**)

Semester 2, 2016/2017

Centre for Strategic Continuing Education & Training

International Islamic University Malaysia 

HSA0364 Writing Skills

Mohd Nazriq bin Noor Ahmad

March 3, 2017

Cat-Calling is not a Compliment

Introduction – Cat-calling or street harassment, be regarded as unwelcome words and actions by someone in public places that invade the physical and emotional space of unknown victim in a disrespectful, creepy, startling, scary or insulting way (Kearl, 2010) – Surprisingly, 90% of 2000 people in the United States said they had experience some form of harassment (Kearl, 2014) – Cat-calling is not a compliment because it is not flattering, it makes us feel unsafe and it is also a disruption.

Body #1 – Cat-calling is not flattering when someone follows you down the street, whistling or making lewd comments – Moreover, when we show disinterest, we are then subject to being called ugly, or a sexist slur by the offenders – Kearl (2014) also reported that 27% of 2000 survey respondents were called a sexist slur, like “bitch”, “slut”, or “hoe” – This shows that most of the victims are not flattered experiencing cat-calling.

Body #2 – Next, cat-calling makes us feel unsafe – This is because when the offenders acknowledge us in lustful ways, it sends a signal to our brains that there is a possibility the ordeal could lead to a dangerous encounter – In fact, Kearl (2014) reported that 41% of 982 women had experienced physically aggressive harassment on the street. As has been said, this action makes us feel exposed to danger.

Body #3 – Lastly, it is also a disruption – Not only do us have to be aware of our surrounding, we are also forced to take different routes when necessary – According to Kearl (2014), 32% of 1058 men said they began assessing their surroundings after experiencing street harassment – Therefore, being able to walk a street without feeling insecure should not be too much to ask for.

Conclusion – In conclusion, cat-calling or street harassment is not flattering, it makes us feel unsafe and it is also a disruption – Cat-callers may think they are being nice, however, we would greatly appreciate it if they kept their opinions to themselves, and didn’t compliment us – Therefore, we should spread the awareness to the society to minimize this bad behaviour.