In a bold move to confront street harassment, one woman has taken to Instagram to document her experiences with catcallers. Meet Mia Thompson, a 20-year-old university student from Amsterdam, who has launched a thought-provoking project that sheds light on the pervasive issue of catcalling.
Mia created an Instagram account called @dearcatcallers, dedicating 30 days to capturing selfies with the men who shout unsolicited comments at her as she navigates her daily life. Each post features a photo alongside a caption detailing the remarks she received, such as “Hey gorgeous, where are you headed?” and “I know exactly what I would do with you, beautiful.”
In her first post, Mia stated, “This Instagram aims to raise awareness about the objectification of women in public spaces. Many people are unaware of how frequently catcalling occurs and in what contexts, so I will be showcasing my experiences over the next month.” Her approach cleverly juxtaposes herself and her harassers in each image, highlighting the imbalance of power that often exists in these interactions. “By taking a selfie, I place both the objectifier and the object in one frame,” she explains. “This project flips the power dynamics, showing that I refuse to be just an object of their gaze.”
With earbuds in, Mia often aims to signal her disinterest in engaging with strangers, yet the catcallers persist. As she shared with a local newspaper, “They don’t regard their behavior as inappropriate. To them, it feels completely normal.” While it’s disheartening that such a project was necessary, Mia’s courage to confront her harassers and document the experience reflects the struggles many women face daily.
The men’s comments range from suggestive inquiries to crude propositions, revealing a disturbing sense of entitlement. It’s frustrating to scroll through her posts, imagining the discomfort she must feel as she walks past groups of men shouting at her, a reality familiar to many women.
As her project concluded, Mia posted a final message, emphasizing that while her month of documentation has ended, the issue of catcalling remains prevalent. She plans to pass the account to other women globally, ensuring that the conversation continues. “This has made it evident that catcalling is a common struggle many of us endure,” she noted, echoing a sentiment that resonates widely.
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s project serves as a powerful reminder of the normalization of catcalling and the importance of speaking out against it. By sharing her experiences, she not only empowers herself but also gives a voice to the countless women who face similar situations.