Experiences of Catcalling: An Assessment on the Reasons and Effects on

psychological, physical, social, and emotional aspects in men and women

Hapa, Ma. Chelsea F.

Castillet, Thommica Hailey

Lamano, Ryana Dawn Andrea L.

Mariano, Leila Nicole S.

Mendoza, Rianne Mhyrr O.

Salgado, Neve Alyssa P.

STEM 11-16

Submitted to

Ms.Francheska Marie V. Lacuesta, LPT

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

Practical Research 1

2nd Semester, A.Y 2018-2019

Senior High School Department

Centro Escolar University Manila

March 2019
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

It was believed that in the 17th century the term catcall was first used, when

audience members would make a hissing or shrieking sound as an act of derision to a

performer on stage. It was then the word "catcall" become synonymous with the term

"wolf whistle" evolving into its current use by association. The etymology of the term

“wolf whistle” had nautical roots: captains would get the attention of their sailors through

the piercing two-toned sound. It is thought that this progressed into sailors using it to

signal each other, most notably when ashore and seeing a woman pass by. And here we

are today, it was turned into a mainstream culture, the civilian adopted this code (Currie,

2015).

Catcalling, also known as street harassment, defined by women as the "teaser

moment" of rape, and defined by men as simply "harassment". Wolf whistling, giving

sexual looks and comments by a specific individual, gives them discomfort and unsafe. It

is one of the major factors that affect the development of discrimination.

According to the site Stop Street Harassment, they defined gender-based street

harassment as an unwanted comment, gestures, and action forced on a stranger in a public

place without their consent and is directed at them because of their actual or perceived

sex, gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Street harassment includes

unwanted whistling, leering, sexist, homophobic or trans phobic slurs, persistent requests

for someone’s name, number or destination after they have said no, sexual names,
comments and demands, following, flashing, public masturbation, groping, sexual

assault, and rape (Stop street harassment, 2015).

Following below are personal accounts of people with firsthand experiences of

Catcalling:

The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, has been criticized

for catcalling Mariz Umali, a broadcast journalist, during a press conference.

People gave different opinions when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte whistled

when he asked a question by the female reporter. This incident led the public to

debate over the appropriateness of this action and gestures. Although Umali

described the president’s remarks as “improper”, she still would not ask for an

apology. Umali’s husband also reacted about the incident and criticized him

saying that what he did is wrong on so many levels. (Cayabyab, 2016)

But there are times that people are being too unfair by means of setting their

minds that women are always the victim in catcalling, that women alone are the only one

who is experiencing this assault and men do the harassment. It was said in an article by

Sarah Young, women think that catcalling is the most unfortunate part of day life. Yet,

for boys, harassment is harassment. Sometimes, they are being questioned about this kind

of even, while they are being oppressed and being disrespected.

However, behind these beliefs, men also experienced this kind of act as well.

There are certain events that an individual is being catcalled. The way they wear, skin

exposure, the way they look and their body build, that are giving the suspect the desired

prurient interest. But every now and then, catcalling is being normalize into a day to day
routine for a person who experience this. It became a mainstream culture that individuals

are doing.

In a post from a Reddit community, the poster recalls an indecent experience –

strongly expressing his outrage on catcalling, be it on women or men:

“It's a shitty feeling. Sobrang nakakababa ng pagkatao

na wala kang magawa para mapagtanggol yungsarili mo. […] I'm a guy.

Naglalakad ako pauwi galing sa school and there was this group of 4 or 5 girls

and 1 gay man salabas nung parlor na malapit samin. […]Malayo pa lang ako

nakakarinig na ko ng mga kung ano ano na sinasabi nila sa mga dumadaan.

[…]Ano bang nakukuha nilang satisfaction sa ganung bagay? Like wtf? I

could've punched that gay man in the face pero I chose not to kasi ako pa

magmumukang masama. Di narin ako nakarebat kasi naunahan na ko ng

kahihiyan. I just walked in silence feeling shitty about myself. […] I don't know

why paglalaki yung nakacatcall, mostly ang mindset ng ibang tao is okay lang or

parang not as grave as when women were catcalled.”

This only explains that street harassment is harmful to any people who experience

it, verbally, physically, or psychologically. It is a unique overlap of the offenses of

assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. The researchers would like to conduct a study

that is prominent in social media since countless posts, stories, and rants are all over the

media.

This study aims to understand and state the effects of catcalling in terms of

psychological, physical, social, and emotional aspects of men and women. The main
subject of this research were the victims of catcalling, hence, to know the reason why

catcalling happens, the researchers decided to know it by the perception of the victim. As

stated in the previous statements, street harassment incidents that are happening to men

were under studied. Therefore, this research aims to disseminate the idea that men should

be included in stopping harassment for they are also being harassed nowadays.

Statement of the Problem

Research Problem

The researchers conducted an interview on victims of catcalling here in Manila.

They asked the victims of catcalling about their experiences. The main objective of this

study is to know the how catcalling affects the victim in terms of psychological, physical,

social, and emotional aspects. Moreover, this research aims to know the possible reasons

of the occurrence of catcalling. However, the researchers respondents were the victims of

catcalling therefore, these were in the perspective of the victim. The researchers want to

open their minds of the readers on this issue. The study encompasses the central question:

What are the possible reasons and effects of catcalling in terms of psychological,

physical, social, and emotional aspects of men and women?

Research Questions
 The purpose of this study aimed to make an in depth analysis of the lived

experiences of men and women on catcalling, the researchers seek to answer the

following questions:

 What are the possible reasons for the victim to be catcalled?

 How do men and women perceive possible remarks of catcalling such as

whistling?

 How did the possible remarks of catcalling affected men and women in

psychological, physical, social, and emotional aspects?

 What are the actions done after the incident?

Significance of the Study

Catcalling in different genders remains under studied across the globe, including

the Philippines. Some cat-calling related topics are from news, videos and different kind

of blogs. Probably, this study could serve as central information about the perception and

experiences of men and women towards catcalling in their country. The researchers aim

to learn, show, and understand the difference between the perception of men and women

on the effects of catcalling. Much description about the different perception of how men

and women get involved in this phenomenon called catcalling. However, this topic arises

the conflict in men and women on their experiences on catcalling. This study hopes to be

a help to establish a deeper understanding of the effects of this phenomenon. This

research can help the following:

 For women, they will be able to express their reactions and experiences when they

catcalled. They will be able to share their perspectives and feelings before and after they

got cat-called. It can also help them to find plenty of information behind the catcall they

received.

For men, to also express their reactions and feelings after they got cat-called.

They are able to tell that not only women are being cat-called but also men. It can help

them to explain their perspectives that men aren’t the one who experience the said sexual

harassment. It helps them to have the same equal grounds like women. It can also help

men to find more information behind the cat-calling they received.

For the citizens, it helps them to have a wider knowledge about cat-calling. It

helps them to recognize that both men and women could experience catcalling. This

study helps the citizen to raise awareness on sexual harassment, specifically cat-calling.

For future researchers, this would serve as an additional information or data. The

results will serve as opinion/advice to future researchers who want to engage in a much

broader scope of study on gender-related issues specifically, catcalling.

Scope and Delimitation

This research focused on the issue catcalling that is happening in both man and

woman. The researchers limit their study with male and female respondents only, and not

including members of the other genders. Its goal is to produce a descriptive study about
these two on how they react if they happen to experience this. The specific time or year

that the researcher focused to was the modern period.

Additionally, only the described effects were discussed here in this research and

also the etymology of this action in the perception of the victim. The research was

revolved in the main research problem; what are the possible reasons and effects of

catcalling in terms of psychological, physical, social, and emotional aspects of men and

women. The data collection of this study will be at around Manila and the age ranges at

16-25 years old.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This section includes the related literature and studies regarding the researchers

topic which is ‘Experiences of Catcalling: An Assessment on the Reasons and Effects on

psychological, physical, social, and emotional aspects in men and women’. The

researchers looked for related literature and studies and tackle about each variables of

topic the nature of our research; Reasons why catcalling happens, Effects of catcalling in

men and women, Perception of men and women in catcalling, and Gender stereotype

Reasons why catcalling happens

Most research and articles stated that men primarily perpetrate street harassment.

Society expects women that their worth depends on their appearance, that if they look

attractive they will find a man that they will love and marry and be supported by him.

Media and advertisements portray women mostly as sex objects that is why women are

easily objectified by men. According to Stephanie Shi and Rafael Mirafuente on the

article in the magazine Cosmopolitan, gender expectations are one of the reasons why

catcalling happens, women are expected to look attractive for them to easily find a man to

love and marry while men are expected to be physically strong, to be stoic, independent

and successful. Objectifying women is also a way for them to fulfill these expectations.

In Mexico, wherein men must be macho traditionally, catcalling happens there more

frequently than in other countries. Catcallers were taught that women are sex objects to
exercise their masculinity on. Catcalling is a way for men to satisfy the gender

expectations, to brandish their masculinity and reinforce their perceived value to society.

An associate professor of psychology at Manhattan College, Kimberly Fairchild

said that, a passive bystander noticed a victim being catcalled, while the bystander may

internally be upset, disgusted, or angry, they take no action to stop the harassment or aid

the victim. The meta-analysis found out that bystanders are more likely to intervene if the

situation they are witnessing is a dangerous emergency. They define dangerous

emergencies as faster and more clearly as real emergencies, thereby inducing higher level

of arousal and hence more helping. By this, it stands to reason that bystanders do not

intervene to catcalling as they do not recognize it as dangerous. If catcalling were

recognized by the public as verbally harassed and truly threatening, more bystanders may

well realize that it is important to step in.

Laura Beth Nielsen, a sociologist, lawyer and Northwestern University professor

said that, the act of catcalling is often done with the intent to frighten or dominate the

targeted individual. Catcalling is designed to be invisible to other people around and for

the victim to feel violated or threatened. Typically, victims of catcalling do not respond

or ignored the behaviour because of fear that a response might make situation become

more aggressive.

In the study that the researchers have done, they discovered that men's

masculinity or their thinking that they were more elevated was the cause of their

harassment to women. Some research indicates that it is inherently natural to men. Some

say that it does not hurt the women.

 However, some men do not deny that it is their way to intimidate, shy away,

scare, and attack the women. Therefore, this is their way of entertainment or to say that

they have authority.

Media also has a big role towards the behaviour of a person. Street harassment is

a cultural norm, it is something that children grow up seeing in cartoon and in media,

according to Holly Kearl. Same thing to the adults, it can be seen in some advertisement

wherein women are being catcalled or men and women models used as sexual subjects in

any forms of media. These lead to sexual objectification.

Effects of catcalling in men and women

One of the current issues that focus on media mainstream is catcalling in both

men and women. Catcalling defines as make whistle, shout, or comment of sexual nature

to a person passing by. One of the major factors why catcalling is not good for you are

the effects of it.

Psychological and emotional aspect

Catcalling affects the psychological state of the person by means of self-

objectification, fear of crime, and anxiety that are most likely to be associated with street

harassment. Catcalling in women have a different effect that are not good to them. It can

bring intense fear and high possibility of stress that can bring a fear of being raped or
attacked by the person who does the catcalling. This kind of incident can provoke a

chronic stressor that can affect the mental state of a woman badly.

According to Magbanua, the writer of the article, most of the people blame the

clothes that the woman wears that’s why they got catcalled. This kind of attitude towards

women promotes rape culture that can affect a woman’s life. Also, one of the possible

reason why a woman cannot report it to the authorities are anxiety. Anxiety that

catcalling worsen to the point that the said catcaller leads to Night time or anything worse

than that.

Many women who experience street harassment are forced to stay in their homes

only because of this incident. There are other women who feel embarrassment, fear,

depression, difficulty in sleep, and other concerns. There are also instances where they

think of suicide. (Culp-Ressler, 2014; Feis, 2014; "Fubu-clad man," 2013; "Mass

shooting kills mother of three," 2014).

(T. Bell, 2016) There was a man who expressed his comment with a post in the

social media app that earned praise from people after it presented the texts that were read

to everyone who read. This post states that women should not be the only one that should

be respected in public places. It affects their psychological aspects too, in terms of they

also need respect from other people in Catcalling.

There is an article in Whispers about the perception of a man when they got

catcalled. One man says that they consider catcalling as a compliment because it helps

them raise self-esteem and their ego. Others apologize to the women who have

experienced catcalling among men and say that if they also happen to experience that
kind of incident it will also induce anger on some of them. Other men consider catcalling

as a joke that is why it does not affect them at any possible actions.

Physical aspect

Magtalas at Sing told that sexual harassment such as catcalling affects the women

no matter what their age is, social status, religion, race, and where they are destined. It

affects their physical aspect in terms of women tend to be conscious on their body. They

were uncomfortable on their body that leads on them to feel that they were objectified by

the person who harassed her. Sometimes, they were so insecure on their physical self that

they often have “choice of clothes” so they cannot be judged. This is also the reason why

they limit their movements and become "self-conscious" so they cannot show the real

attitude in everybody, also they feel uncomfortable with what they want.

Perception of men and women towards catcalling

Tyrone Blythe Eryn conducted a social experiment wherein male respondents will

comment on the videos presented regarding on the interaction of women and men in

public places. No male respondents commented on street harassment in the videos shown

but when the mediator said the term meant, their descriptions and opinions on the

behaviour of men are shown in the videos. This tells the research that catcalling in men

don’t affect them that much.

 There are different types of street harassment which includes catcalling. And so,

men and women also have different perceptions about this matter. Cheekie Albay, a

writer in Cosmopolitan spoke to six men to gather their perceptions about catcalling.

Here are some insights of men about the said action:

The first insight indicates that some men stand by catcalling as an innocent way to

compliment a woman. Reggie, a 24 years old university instructor, stated that the possible

reason why men catcall is because they want to socialize or start a conversation and the

way they view it is not a harmful thing. While according to Jim, a 35 years old

development worker, some men catcalls in a not offending way but to somehow show

that they like what they see. He says that the intention of the catcaller depends on how

they say it.

Other men believe that catcalling is a sign of insecurity in a male. According to

Chris, a 31 years old science communicator, some men does not recognize their worth as

a person. The reason why they catcall is because they are afraid of the thought that they

will not be able to attract someone with their own characteristics. They want to check if

this will work even though they know that there are higher chances that it will not. And

with this, Lee who was a 28 years old digital marketer agreed with Chris. He never felt

the need of catcalling someone because he has the confidence to approach or ask a girl

out.

Some also acknowledge that catcalling is an ugly product of patriarchal thinking.

Raymond Peter “Koko” Campiglio, the person who runs the Facebook page Catcalled in

the Philippines, says that the macho society normalizes it as a form of showing
manliness. And because of the feeling that men are dominant in this society, they

continue doing it. He also said that catcallers are subconsciously aware of the power that

they receive upon the fear they give to their victims.

Although, there are still some men who do not catcall and cites empathy, respect

and not being a creep as their reason. Reggie, who believes that catcalling can be a form

of compliment says that he refuse to do it because of the idea that the person he will be

referring to will be uncomfortable. And also, some words are meant to be said only if the

two parties are close enough. Lee also stated that there were times that he wanted to

catcall but eventually, did not continue doing it because he knew that what he was about

to do will make the woman uncomfortable which makes him uncomfortable as well.

While for Koko, he said that he respects the privacy of other people and that even though

a person is in public, he or she is still entitled of their own privacy. And lastly, Chris said

that he would never do it because he finds the act “gross and offensive”. He thinks that

catcalling is creepy and also he cannot imagine himself going out while people or

strangers specifically, are asking about his opinion regarding their physical appearances

like he is entitled to judge how they look in public.

Some also thinks that being in the company of other men makes a man more

likely to catcall. Kevin, a 31 years old entrepreneur, admitted that he used to blurt out

some statements back then while girls were passing by them to him and his male friend

hyped up. He even thought before that a woman takes catcalling as a compliment but

eventually realize that unwanted attention makes a woman uncomfortable. In which, Jim

also agrees to. Being with other men empowers only the macho culture and bragging
rights. And because of their company, an individual will feel strong enough to utter some

statements.

Moreover, women have their own perceptions too just like men. Street harassment

is happening everyday to women and needs to be taken care of or execute an action.

According to Rosie, a writer in a blog, although men are receiving unwanted attention too

or most commonly known as catcalls, women are more likely to have a huge impact such

as mental health, self-esteem and feeling of being unsafe. According to her, she never felt

safe to fight back to the catcalls that she have been receiving and too tired to try to do

something to minimize the situation. As a young adult, Rosie has now a wider

understanding regarding these issues and realized that the problem is not within her.

However, her experiences in catcalling can still somehow affect her like making

decisions. Catcalling prevents a woman to speak up due to the fear they have

experienced. So, street harassment should not be furthermore tolerated. Each and every

one of us should have freedom to do things, and enjoy life without feeling unsafe. We

should be aware that catcalling is not a compliment it is a problem that hinders us from

gender quality.

According to Hillary Margolis, a Women’s Rights researcher at Human Rights

Watch and a lead author of “They said we are their slaves: Sexual violence by armed

groups in the Central African Republic” a sexual harassment has become normal these

days. Which as time goes by, women are affected on how they dress, how they see

themselves, their confidence, and how they try to be part of the society. It affects their

privacy as well, dignity and freedom as a human being. At the age of 17, she was not

ready to experience to be an object to release sexual desire. She tried so much to be

invisible to a point when she starved herself thinking that if she will be thin enough then

she would not get so much attention. As a woman who receives statements from other

people, she felt embarrassed every time she receives catcalls. It took her a long time to

overcome the effects that occur to her by catcalling. But government should also take an

action regarding this matter to prevent the girls in growing up by thinking that street

harassment is normal.

Gender Stereotype

A gender stereotype is a generalised view or preconception about attributes or

characteristics, or the roles that are or ought to be possessed by, or performed by women

and men. It is wrong because it violates the fundamental freedom and human rights. It is

harmful when it limits the abilities of men and women.

According to Christia Brown, the gender stereotype in catcalling is men as the

sex-focused predicted verbal and physical, and women are sex objects predicted physical.

Usually, men are the one who makes a sexual comment or joke about someone or rating

someone’s body or body parts.

Boys learn about behaviour expected from men which is being physically and

emotionally strong, being competitive, dominating and controlling others. (Thomson,

2002) Girls learn that being submissive, shy, obedient and not expressing one’s thoughts

and feelings are desirable feminine attributes. Gender stereotyping is one of the roots

promulgating rape culture. Boys are taught to man up that affects their mentality and

thinks that they are dominant. Boys think that they can do whatever they want because
people already defined them. When boys do not have understanding of how to become a

man, they can be led down a path where catcalling is continually normalized.

On the other hand, let's not dump all the blame to men because they are victim of

catcalling too. The percentage of women who gets catcalled is dominant but it doesn't

mean that women are the only victim of catcalling. Some men are affected mentally and

physically but because of these gender stereotypes they can't voice out their feelings.

They are afraid that people will judge them or make fun of them. People should stop

defining both individual because it affects their mentality.

According to Niña Española, gender stereotyping creates a biased opinion on

gender identity. We live in a society where men and women are judged based on their

actions. Men who don't act masculine are labeled as weak or gay whereas emphatic

women are labeled as flirt or bossy. Mass media played a great role in creating gender

stereotyping. Men and women are given roles which people may think that all men or

women are like that. Their perception is unfair and people should break the gender

stereotyping.
Theoretical Framework

Feminist theory

Feminist theory posits that sexual harassment should be treated as a sexist act that

aims to subjugate and disempower women, and punish their efforts to compete with men

over jobs and status,” said Henry. “This theory challenges the idea that sexual harassment

is a sexual act and invites scholars to see it from a gender-based angle that reflects male

dominance and women's subordination, which are constantly condoned by society.

In Henry’s recently published paper titled “Sexual Harassment in the Egyptian

Streets: Feminist Theory Revisited,” He is guided by feminist theory explanations of

sexual harassment to provide a deeper understanding of this problem and the

sociocultural factors that contribute to it. For the study, Henry employs a qualitative

approach that uses feminist theory to explain incidents of sexual harassment by self-

professed sexual harassers. Conducting in-depth interviews with nine male participants

from the streets of Cairo and Giza, five major themes emerged, whereby participants

gave their justifications for engaging in sexual harassment. These are acts: Sexual

harassment is a normative act, Sexual harassment is women’s fault, Sexual harassment is

due to women’s desire to work, Sexual harassment is God’s punishment to women,

Women are harassed due to societal oppression.

Objectification theory
 Objectification theory is a framework for understanding the experience of being

female in a culture that sexually objectifies the female body. The theory proposes that

girls and women, more so than boys and men, are socialized to internalize an observer's

perspective as their primary view of their physical selves. This perspective is referred to

as self-objectification, which leads many girls and women to habitually monitor their

bodies' outward appearance. This, in turn, leads to increased feelings of shame, anxiety,

and disgust toward the self, reduces opportunities for peak motivational states, and

diminishes awareness of internal bodily states. Accumulations of these experiences help

account for a variety of mental health risks that disproportionately affect women:

depression, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction.

 Conceptual Framework

Experiences of Catcalling: An Assessment on the Reasons and

Effects on psychological, physical, social, and emotional

aspects in men and women

Definition

Male Information Female

Reasons Effects Reasons

Interview

Positive Interview analysis Negative

Feminist theory &

Objectification theory

Final gathering of information and

editing
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This section includes the research strategy, research method, research approach,

methods of data collection, selection of the sample, research process, type of data

analysis, the ethical considerations and the research limitations of the project.

Research Design

The researchers used a qualitative research design for it was the

appropriate approach to analyze the experiences of men and women on catcalling. The

researchers chose descriptive research design, wherein the subject or respondents were

being observed in a completely natural and unchanged environment. In this type of

research design, the researchers will have the in-depth analysis on the effects of cat-

calling in men and women. This design allow the researchers to analyze the answer in

questions of who, what, when, where, and how catcalling affects man and women based

on their different perspectives.

Sample

The participants of this study were men and women who experienced being

catcalled in Manila. Respondents should be frank and willing to answer the questions that

the researchers will ask. The respondent’s age ranges from 16 years old to 25 years old.

This research will include 6 participants; three girls and three boys. The type of sampling

method that the researchers used was snowball or chain referral because it will be

convenient to ask the respondent that they interviewed for another participant who is also
a victim. Based on their past experience it is hard to find a respondent who is willing to

spare their time with the researchers and answer the questions properly. They are the

most appropriate participants in this study because they were willing to answer the

following questions even though it is personal and maybe it is too sensitive for other

respondents.

Data Collection Method

The data collection method of this research was through a semi-structured face-

face interview with the respondents. In this way, the researchers constructed questions

first to be asked to their respondents, but if there are follow up questions that is needed to

be asked, the researchers can add it up during their interview.

The researchers do this method through roaming around the city of Manila and

interviewing heterosexual men and women that ranges at the age of 16-25 years old and

studies around the area. They decided to collect data through a semi-structured face-face

interview so that the information that was be gathered is pure and unfiltered because the

questions that will be asked are not fully detailed or listed. The respondents should be

able to express their and opinions about catcalling and share their own experiences about

it. Aside from this, the researchers would also want to know the punishments affiliated in

catcalling, effects, difference of catcalling and complimenting, the reason behind

catcalling and the respondent’s self-esteem after being catcalled. However, if the

respondents wish to make the interview confidential because of some certain reasons,

then the researchers will gladly make the respondent’s name private.
Data Collection Procedure

The 6 respondents were divided into 3 male and 3 female victims; both of which

were students studying at any school around university belt. The researchers first seek

help to the people they know that are fit to be part of the study, and then asked them if

they can refer someone that can also be our respondent.

The possible respondents were contacted by the researchers, as they set a common

free time to hold the interview. The interview was held in CEU, where it being the

common ground for both the researchers and some of the respondents. The other

respondents were interviewed in coffee shop and fast food chain.

After that, the researchers must conduct an interview and made proof that

catcalling is still happening in our society, in this generation and it is getting worst (and

made proof that catcalling also happens in men and no one does an action so the

catcalling comes to an end).

They will start to have their conclusions and in-depth analysis after proving and

collecting their data. The researchers will finish their data collection by means of

describing and observing the answers in insights, effects, situation and experiences of a

woman and a man through catcalling.

Ethical Considerations

For the researchers to be able to conduct an interview to their respondents

it is important to follow the principles related to ethical considerations. It is important to

respect the privacy of the respondent, the confidentiality of the adequate information that
the respondent will provide should be ensured. And it is important for the research that

the respondents voluntarily participate. Moreover, participants have rights to withdraw

from the study at any stage if they wish to do so. If the respondents don't want to be

mentioned in the research, the researcher will respect their privacy and use

pseudonyms/aliases instead. Before conducting the interview, the respondents will be

informed by the researchers providing sufficient information to allow individuals to

understand the study.

Data Analysis

Datas were analyzed after collecting the data from the interviews which

means that our type of analysis is called the Thematic Analysis. This is to allow new

impressions to shape interpretation in other directions. The researchers interviewed six

respondents around Manila to collect data from different people and to be able to narrate

the effects and the reason why they got catcalled in their perception. In this type of

analysis, the researchers will be able to see the similarities and differences seen from the

perspectives of the respondents. By concluding all the interviewees answer, the

researchers were able to collect data from different perspectives; therefore thematic

analysis was utilized in the study.

 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section includes the background experience of the victim and the analysis on

comparative study on both perception and effects of catcalling in men and women. This

comprises the summary of the discussion of the respondents that contains the research

questions, answers, and overall analysis of data.

Background of the Participants

The researchers interviewed 3 men and 3 women that we encountered around

CEU- Manila campus and respondents referred to us by the people the researchers know.

These respondents have experienced catcalling and that is the main criteria the

researchers were looking for.

Kobe, a 20-year-old student in Centro Escolar University, from school of

Optometry who recently joined the Mr. & Ms. CEU 2018. He lives in Pandacan, Manila

with his family. He often joins to different competitions and became a model from

different agencies. He is now on his fourth year in college taking up Optometry.

Jon is a Mass Communication student, a 3rd year student in Centro Escolar

University. Who lives around Manila with his family. They are 4 in the family, he only

has 1 sibling, him being the youngest. He is an aspiring journalist and aims to change the

mindset of the people about the journalist delivering fake news.

Jerome, a 20 year old fourth year college in the course of BS Optometry . He is

studying in Centro Escolar University.

 Camille is a 17 year old ABM student from college de San Juan de Letran. She’s

a good dancer, film editor and stylist. Camille is a former student from San Sebastian

College and she’s part of the San Sebastian high school dance troupe. She’s a type of girl

of who loves performing on stage, have high confidence and good social skills. Her

family is well off and complete, but still her life is full of ups and downs. Despite of her

experiences, she’s living her life to the fullest

Marga is a 16 year old student who currently studying in Centro Escolar

University as a grade 11 STEM student. She is an aspiring psychologist and cardiologist.

She’s from Cavite and now that she’s studying here in Manila, she currently lives with

her grandmother’s house.

Beatrice is a 22-year-old graduating student in Ateneo de Manila University. She

is the eldest among her 2 siblings and is a good influence to them.

Reactions of respondents on catcalling

This contains the perception of the respondents according to their answers on our

interview questions. It also reflects the effects that occurred to them after the catcalling

incident.

Offending

The researchers interviewed Jerome, a male respondent and specifically a college

student in Centro Escolar University was sitting at the bench waiting for someone. So, we

decided to do the initial approach to conduct an interview and asked him if we can
borrow his time, asking permission if we could ask some questions about catcalling and if

he experienced this. He willingly gave us his time and complete honesty and participated

in our research. We asked him about how did the catcalling affect him and his 1st incident

was offensive for him and he didn’t try to tell us his experience about it and answered us

directly and simple:

“uhm…. The first catcalling incident was…… very offending for me.”

(uhm… The first catcalling incident was … very offending for me.)

Uncomfortability

As Kobe goes home, from Mendiola to Pandacan, when he was walking on the

way to their house a group of gays in a store or parlor will probably catcall and call him

in names like ‘baby’. The researcher asked the respondent on the factors that affect him

from the said incident which is catcalling.

“Uh... for me kasi ano parang una naiilang ako yun, nakakailang..”

(Uhh.. for me.. at first i feel uncomfortable. That’s it, i feel uncomfortable.)

This response has given the researcher an insight that catcalling affects the

cognitive factor of a person. It affects the cognitive state of a person by means of being

conscious on his/her surroundings. In this state, it affects your thoughts, feelings, and

perception of the person. This may be related to our research on catcalling since the first

respondent says that it makes him feel aware. The respondent may think different

perception on the said incident (catcalling) that made him feel he is not at comfort.
 In the case of Jon, after the catcalling incident, he felt ashamed of himself. After

he got catcalled whenever he walks by himself he feels uncomfortable. According to him,

catcalling is very frequent nowadays especially at night. Catcalling mostly happens if you

walk alone. The effect of catcalling incident made Jon really uncomfortable even though

he is just walking. Now whenever he walks by himself it sometimes made him bashful.

“Catcalling kasi sobrang… frequent kasi yan nangyayari lalo na tuwing gabi. And
Ahh ang nagiging epekto lang niyan sakin nahihiya ako minsan maglakad mag isa kasi
sobrang vulnerable sa catcalling pag mag isa kang naglalakad. Pero nakakahiya.”

(Catcalling is so… it happens frequently at night… and ahh the effects of this to me is
it made me feel embarrassed whenever I walked alone because catcalling usually
happen if you walk alone.)

Camille is frightened and uncomfortable during that incident. We start asking her

with our research questions. The first question is how does the catcalling affect her and

she answered:

“Hmm.. sympre natakot ako at nailang kasi naglalakad lang naman

ako then sasabihan ka ng ganun.”

(Hmm.. ofcourse I’m frightened and felt discomfort because I’m just

walking then suddenly someone will catcall me)

The researchers asked Camille if she feel safe and comfortable after the incident.

She is using public transportation everyday so she is prone of catcalling. Camille said that

one time there was this guy who’s looking at her maliciously until she disappeared out of

his sight. She felt discomfort and scared that time. Her exact answer in our question is:

“sobrang uncomfortable niya.. ahh.. kasi tinitignan talaga niya hanggang

mawala ako sa paningin niya.. sobrang nakakatakot.”

 (It is so uncomfortable.. ahh.. because he’s looking at me maliciously until

I disappeared out of his sight..so frightening)

Beatrice is a Physical Therapy student, a 5th year student in Our Lady of

Fatima University. We asked her how the catcalling incident affect her, her answer

was:,

“Uh, usually catcalling gets you off-guard, and when it happens, it happens when

you least expect it so at that moment nakakaramdam ako ng pagkabother, awkwardness,

shyness, embarrassment, insecurity and naffeel ko rin na medyo traumatic din yung experience."

(Uh, usually catcalling gets you off-guard, and when it happens, it happens when

you least expect it so at that moment I feel bothered, awkwardness, shyness, embarrassment,

insecurity and I can also feel that the experience is traumatic.)

The catcalling incident that happened to Beatrice affected her by feeling bothered,

awkwardness, shyness, embarrassment, insecurity and traumatic. It is said by Jesh

Orquina in an article—women get catcalled, they experience a mix of negative

emotions that can last for hours or even days after the catcalling.

Safety

The researcher asked about the safety and comfort of the respondent in the said

incident which is catcalling. According to Kobe’s response his experience does not affect

his safety and comfort because the actions that the catcallers has shown are only verbal

and non-violent actions.

“siguro ano.. safe naman ako, kasi.. un mga na-experience ko naman, nito kasi ano…
uhhhh puro... puro catcall lang. Wala namang contact na nangyayari kaya… for me, safe na rin.”

(Maybe, uhmm.. i’m safe.. because i had experience. Lately, it’s just catcall. There’s

no contact physically, so it is safe.)

From Jon’s answer the catcalling incident made him uncomfortable but he still

feel safe. He still feel safe because the person who catcalled him did not do anything to

him aside from catcalling. And he also believes that as a man he can protect himself.

”Comfortable, hindi pero safe ahh personally ulit ahh feeling ko safe naman kasi wala

namang--aside from catcalling hindi naman sila sumosobra like di sila nag step out of

the line ng catcalling. And I think, I can protect myselfnamanas a man so,I’m safe

pero notcomfortable.”

(Comfortable, no but safe ahh again personally ahh I think I’m safe because aside from

catcalling they did not step out of the line. And I think, I can protect myself as a man so,

I’m safe but not comfortable.”

It is known by all of people that men should be able to protect themselves, women,

family, etc. from any harm. Men have the essence of protection----the need to establish

and defend boundaries (Brett, 2018). Therefore, even though Jon got catcalled if ever the

person that catcalls him step out of the line or did something more than just catcall, he

can defend himself.

Unsafe

The researchers asked the respondents about the effects of catcalling after the day

that incident happened. Kobe, our respondent answered that after he got catcalled he felt
not at ease but at the same time, he wanted to be a positive thinker in every way possible.

He wanted to feel positive even though it may harm or hurt him.

“Parang sakin, naiilang ako, pero... iniisip ko nalang na... kailangan maging positive ako,

in my ow- in every way. Kahit may masabing masama sakin or what dapat positive lang.”

(For me, I feel awkward. But, I will just think it in a positive way. Even though

other people think bad about me, I just take it positively.)

As the interview proceeded, Camille felt comfortable sharing her experiences

with us. Since she often experience catcalling we asked her the effect of catcalling in her

daily life. She is afraid to pass through on that same street because she thinks the maniac

is waiting for her again and luckily she’s with her friend. The exact words she told us is:

“ah.. sobrang natakot talaga ako dumaan doon sa kalyeng yun kasi malay mo ano..

inaabangan nanaman nila ako”

(ah.. I’m afraid to pass through on that same street..maybe they’re waiting for me”)

The researchers decided to do the initial approach to conduct an interview and

asked Marga if she experienced being catcalled. She told us about what happened on

what she experienced here in Manila and said that catcalling frightened her to go out all

alone especially if it is already dark outside. We asked her about how did the catcalling

affect her and she said:

“uhm the incident made me scared to go out alone pag madaling araw,

I was so scared kasi when that happened.”

(Uhm the incident made me scared to go out alone especially that it’s

still dawn because was so scared when that happened.)

 We questioned Marga if she still feel safe after the incident since she looked like a

brave young lady who can walk through the streets independently alone, and she said that

she felt unsafe after what happened to her. The face of the person who catcalled her was

unconsciously flashing into her mind because of the fear she underwent. According to her

exact words:

“Right after the incident of course I can say I'm not safe, I was shaking and natulala

parang nag f-flash flash yung mukha nung nag catcall I was so scared kasi, it's

not like any catcall kasi kaya I was shaking.”

(Right after the incident, of course I can say I’m not safe. I was shaking and still dazed. It’s

as if the image of the person who catcalled me is still flashing in my mind. It’s because I was

so scared and it’s not like any catcall so I was shaking.)

While Marga and the researchers were talking, we can clearly see the fear

flustered in her eyes when she said that she visualized the image of the person who

catcalled her. Although we can sense that she is more composed and tamed when we

were communicating with her.

She told us that the frightening incident made her stay at her dorm at dawn. It

unknowingly prohibits her to go out. Marga also became cautious regarding her

surroundings. She makes sure that every time she will be going out, she has a companion.

A male friend to be exact because I suppose, men are more reliable in this kind of

scenarios and also it is her way to make her at ease or complacent to walk along the

streets. According to her, the effects of catcalling in her everyday life after getting

catcalled:

”hmm days after the said incident hindi ako lumabas ng dorm ng mga
 madaling araw hahaha I was so scared eh, tsaka if ever na lalabas ako sa dorm I'm

with a guy friend para mas kampante yung loob ko na I would be safer.”

(hmm days after the said incident, I did not go out of the dorm during dawn hahaha

I was really scared. And if ever I will be going out of our dorm I am with a guy friend

to make me feel at ease that I would be safer.)

From Beatrice’s answer, the catcalling incident made her feel

uncomfortable and unsafe. As mentioned by Beatrice, she tends to avoid areas with

men so she is the one who adjusts to avoid getting catcalled.

“Uh. Of course not, I don’t feel safe or comfortable after the incident. Syempre
what if sinundan pala nila ako diba? Haha and also, I tend to avoid areas with people
especially men... yung kung yung area puro lalaki, so ako nalang magaadjust, iiwasan
ko nalang yung area na yun. And mapapatingin ka syempre sa damit mo, what if
masyado siyang daring or masyado siyang exposed. So... ayon, ikaw nalang talaga
yung magaadjust.”
(Uh. Of course not, I don’t feel safe or comfortable after the incident. Of course,
what if they followed me? Haha and also, I tend to avoid areas with people especially men...
if the area is mostly men, so I adjust, I avoid that area. And you will look at your clothes, what
if it’s too daring or too exposed. So... yeah, you will adjust.)

Catcalling does not make women feel good, comfortable or safe. (Lara, 2017).

Therefore, any form of sexual harassment is insulting and makes women feel

uncomfortable and unsafe

Behaviors of the respondents when they were catcalled

We asked Jerome the question “What did you do when the incident happened? In

your opinion, what is the best way to avoid this kind of incident?” and he answered

simple. He just smiles at them. He gets cat called and will give an exchange smile to the

person.
 “For me, a- as a male. When gays call me baby… I just smile at them...”

(For me, a- as a male. When guys call me baby… I just smile at them…)

Whenever Jon got catcalled he only ignored the persons who catcall him. But it is

hard to ignore them so what Jon do is he had no choice but to join with their indecent

gags by looking back at them and make it like it’s only a joke. The catcallers should be

the one to feel ashamed but instead it was the victim. Sometimes this kind of defense

mechanism is the best way to avoid this incident because it is like standing up against the

bullies, in order to make them stop you should know how to respond or oppose them

verbally. But this will not always work because there are times when the catcallers, if you

do this defense mechanism, they will do more than just catcalling.

“What I do everytime I get catcalls is that I ignore na lang. Pero mahirap kasi nakatingin sila sayo kasi
lalo na kung andun yung nang catcall sayo tas lumalakad ka. It’s very hard to avoid eye contact kahit alam
mong sila yung dapat mahiya sa ginagawa nila. It’s really hard to avoid contact. So, what I do everytime is
that tinititigan ko sila. Like, ginagawa ko na lang biro myself. Parang, alam mo yung ginagawa ko na lang
biro talaga, di ko siya sineseryoso. Defense mechanism ko na lang siya kasi ang awkward talaga sakin
yung di kosiya titignan kahit alam kong sila yung..ako yung biktima, yung cinatcall nila.”

(What I do everytime I get catcalls is that I just ignore it. But it’s hard since they are looking at you
especially if the person who catcalled you was there and then you’re walking. It’s very hard to avoid eye
contact even though you know that they are the ones who should be embarrassed. It’s really hard to avoid
eye contact. So, what I do everytime is I stare at them. Like, I am treating it as a joke already. Like, I’m
already fooling around, I am not taking it seriously. I make it as my defense mechanism because it’s really
awkward for me to avoid eye contact even though I know that they are.. I am the victim, the person they
catcalls.)

Whenever Beatrice gets catcalled, she simply just ignores it and walks straight ahead
so that the catcaller will think it did not affect her. Although deep inside Beatrice is
bothered by the incident, she still managed to ignore and walk straight ahead. She
also said that catcalling cannot be avoided because as long as there are catcallers,
there is also catcalling. Thus, this kind of incident should not be blamed on the
victim.

“Uh when such incidents occur, what I do is just... I just ignore it and walk straight
ahead and naglalakad lang ako ahead kunyari hindi ako affected by it pero deep inside I’m really
 bothered by it... mm I think you cannot really avoid na being catcalled because no matter what you
wear or how you present yourself publicly, meron pa rin talaga ganyang incidents so I believe na
there will be no catcalling if there are no catcallers... so sila dapat yung uh, bigyan natin ng pansin
para mawala na talaga yung incident ng catcalling hindi siya dapat binablame sa victim.”

(Uh when such incidents occur, what I do is just... I just ignore it and walk straight
ahead and I’m just walking ahead like I’m not affected by it but deep inside I’m really bothered by
it... mm I think you cannot really avoid na being catcalled because no matter what you wear or
how you present yourself publicly, there will still be incidents like this so I believe that there will
be no catcalling if there are not catcallers... so they should be uh, given attention so that the
incidents of catcalling will be gone it should not be blamed on the victim.)

According to Camille, she defended herself by death glaring on the maniac. Her

advice to all victims of catcalling is to report them to the police, tanod or confront the

maniac. The exact answer of Camille is:

“May times na lumaban ako like tinitignan ko sila ng masama hahaha..kapag may mang cacatcall sainyo
ireport niyo na lang if ever may malapit na pulis, tanod or di kaya pagsabihan niyo yung nagcatcall”

( There are times that I defend myself by death glaring hahaha.. if someone catcalls you.. report it to the
police, tanod or confront the person who catcalled you.)

In Jon’s opinion to the victims of catcalling, he told that women should be well

informed that walking alone at night is unsafe. Having a companion when walking at

night will be safer for women. For men, he said that they should be able to defend

themselves if ever someone did something more than just catcalling. And as much as

possible, they should not cause a ruckus towards the person who catcalled them. Men and

women should always be careful.

“I think what should the victim do especially if it’s a girl is to be aware nasobrang

delikadomaglakadng mag isaespecially kapaggabi and ahhkung hangga’tmaaari,

ahh women should really ahh have a companion kapaglumalabassila. Especially

kung di maiiwasanggabisilalalabas. And for men, men should be ahh.. As men,

shouldbe able to protect themselves and ahh hangga’t maaari wag na sanang
 awayin yung nangca-catcall kasi may mga kilala akong lalaki na pagcinatcall mo,

susugurin ka haha siguro wag nalang awayin para walang problema. Sigurokausapin

nalang ng maayos pero wag ng awayin. Ayun, mag ingat din parehas; men and women.”

(I think what should the victim do especially if it’s a girl is to be aware that it is so dangerous

to walk alone especially at night and ahh as much as possible, ahh women should really ahh

have a companion if they will go outside, especially if they really need to go out at night. And

for men, men should be ahh. As men, we should be able to protect themselves and ahh as

much as possible do not start a quarrel so there will be no problem. Maybe just talk to the

person who catcalled him properly but do not cause ruckus. And for both men and women

always be careful)

If ever men and women encounter this kind of situation the advice of Jon for men

is; just talk properly to the person who catcalled you, do not cause any trouble or make

the situation worse. Learn self-defense especially for women because there are tendencies

wherein catcallers will do more than just catcalling there are where they will follow you.

And it is important to bring a weapon for their protection like pepper spray. And as

mentioned by him before, do not walk alone and go home early.

“And ahh about dun sa kung pano siya ma-kokontra ba? Ayun for men, I think ano na lang..try
mong kausapin ng maayos pero sana wag naman awayin. Wag ng maging..wag ng uminit yung
ulo hangga’t maaari kausapin ng maayos and ahh pero kapag siguro pag may nangyaring
physical contact, kasi yung iba bastos talaga e. Ayun, self-defense. It’s really important, self-
defense pati sa babae. Sa babae, hangga’t maaari..kasi—hindi ko naman sila sinisisi pero
hangga’t maaari wag maglakad mag-isa lalo na paggabi. And ahh sana mag-aral din silang self-
defense kasi it’s really important kasi andaming manyak dyan na di lang catcall ang gagawin.
Siguro catcall ang una nila ng gagawin kasi may mga case na susundan sila eh. Tapos sobrang
importante na magdala silang pang protekta like pepper spray and ayun , di sila victims pero the
situation recquires them na wag sila maglakad mag isa and hangga’t maaari umuwi silang maaga
[…]

(And ahh about how to control it? For men, I think you should try to talk to them properly and not
in a bad way. Don’t be.. Don’t be too hot headed as much as possible, talk to them in a nice way
but if there will be any physical contact, because the others are really rude. Self-defense. It’s really
important also for women. In women, as much as-- I don’t blame them but as much as possible do
not walk alone especially at night. And ahh I hope
 According to Jon, in order to stop catcalling is, people should be educated. It is

very important how the media represent catcalling. He said that there is some mass media

that shows catcalling is a normal thing to do. It is important how media represent an issue

because media is a huge influence to a lot of people. Media has an important role in

stopping this issue, to inform the audiences about catcalling.

“Pero di sila victim ah? Pero yun yung ni-rerecquire ng situation kasi wala

tayong magagawa yun yung mga tao sa Pilipinas eh, mga hangal. Totoo yon.

Pano ma-kontra, educate. And sana..very important, sana tinatalakay sa inyo

‘to. Very important kung paano ni-rerepresent sa media ang catcalling incidents

and that behavior kasi kung mapapansin niyo sa mga pinapanuod niyo, pinapakita

yung mga catcalling. Syempre nakaka-excite yun sa mga tambay tambay parang

“ay okay lang pala yun?” pati sa tv pinapakita “so, okay lang pala yun?” […]

(They are not victims ah? But that is the requirements of the situation because we

have no choice, those people are from Philippines eh, fools. That’s true. How to

control? Educate. And I hope… very important, I hope they discussed this. It is

very important on how media represent catcalling incidents and behavior, because

you might not notice on things that you have watched, catcalling are also shown on

it. Of course that is exciting to the bystander because it’s like “ay okay lang pala

yun?” even in Tv it is shown that “ ay okay pala yun?)

The researchers asked the respondent about the things she should do in these kind

of incident. According to Camille, not all individuals are brave enou gh to defend

themselves. In her own opinion, we should learn how to defend ourselves from the

maniacs because you can’t just let it pass even though it’s just wolf whistling. Her exact

answer is:
 “sa aking opinion, dapat matuto tayong lumaban kapag ganun.. hindi pwedeng

ano.. hindi lang yung palagpasin kasi nabastos ka e.. kahit simpleng psst lang yun”

(In my own opinion, you should learn how to defend yourself.. you can’t just let it pass
because you have been disrespected.. even though it’s just psst)

As we continuously talked, we asked her opinion about what should the victim do

in this particular incident and why should they act that way. According to her, even if the

victim is strong physically, but if she or he is not alert about their environment then being

strong is insignificant. A very important thing to do of a person for her or him to avoid

being in this kind of situations, is to be cautious and be open minded of some things that

might happen each day.

“For me, ah I guess the victim should prioritize his or her safety first before

anything else. Though alam niyo sobrang hirap malagay sa place na yun

kasi pangungunahan ka talaga ng takot. Before nga di naman talaga ako

takot sa ganon eh I was so brave to go kahit saang gusto ko kahit anong oras

gusto ko kasi wala naman akong pake my mindset is kaya ko yung sarili ko

and I’m strong enough na ipagtanggol yung sarili ko pero the point is pag

nasa ganung situation ka na kahit anong physical strong mo if your mind and

emotion is not that strong I think kahit anong advice hindi mo rin magagawa

haha. Hala ang dami kong sinabi, basta the priority to be done is just to save

yourself because not all the time may makakasama ka to protect you from catcallers.

(For me, ah I guess the victim should prioritize his or her safety first before anything

else. Though, it was really hard to be in that situation because the feeling of being

scared will really become dominant. I was not really scared before regarding these

issues. I was so brave to go to anywhere and anytime I want to because I do not

care and my mindset is I can handle myself; I’m strong enough to protect myself.

But the point is if you are already in that situation, even though you are physically
 strong but you are not strong mentally and emotionally, I think any advice won’t

do because you’ll end up not following it haha. Oh my, I’ve said too much. Anyway,

the main priority to be done is just to save yourself because not all the time you

have someone to accompany and protect you from catcallers.)

Each respondent has their own views and opinions regarding this matter as

well as the impact that occurred to them. According to the data that the

researchers have gathered from the respondents, most of them felt uncomfortable

during the incident while the others felt unsafe and offended. One of our

respondents felt uncomfortable and unsafe during the incident. The fact that they

said that they felt uncomfortable and unsafe, it only means that the situation that

the respondents have experienced is really an exceptional one.

Effects of catcalling on the victim personally

This contains on how catcalling affects the victim personally, if the respondents’

self-esteem lessen, does it make them think they were cheap or it made their self-esteem

boosted because it make them think they are good looking. To sum it up, does catcalling

have a positive or negative effect on the respondents.

Confidence not affected

Catcalling did not affect Kobe’s self-esteem, he responded that he knows himself

better than anybody else. He didn’t get affected because his personality is stronger than
the incident. We can see how certain Kobe is on our questions. He assures himself that no

one can affect him without his permission.

“For me ano, wala naman... I know myself, I know myself more than anyone..”

(Uhm for me, nothing... I know myself, I know myself more than anyone.)

We asked Camille if her self-esteem is affected after getting catcalled. At first,

Camille got bothered on the clothes she’s wearing. She is confident about her clothing

because she knows that she’s wearing it for herself not for other people. The exact words

she stated is:

“Noong una na-bother ako sa suot ko..pero who cares.. nagsusuot ako ng

ganon para sa sarili ko hindi para sa kanila”

(At first, I was bothered on my clothing.. but who cares.. I’m wearing it for

myself not for them)

Not affected by the catcall

The researchers asked Jon how did catcalling incident that happened to him affect
him, he said that;

“Actually, di kasi ako naaapektuhan ngcatcalling. Eh, ewan kokasi para

sakin, lalaki eh. Pero alam ko sa babae sobrang laking… sobrang sensitive niyo. Pero

para sakin personally, di ako naaapektuhan.”

(Actually I was not affected by catcalling. Eh, I don’t know for me…

namaneh. But I know for girls it’s a big deal… you’re so sensitive. But for me personally,

I was not affected.)

The catcalling incident that happened to Jon did not affect him for men is less

sensitive than women, as mentioned by Jon. It is said in a research made by the scientists
in Utrecht University, men are less sensitive than women because men have more

testosterone which makes them less concerned with connecting emotionally to others.

The testosterone reduces connectivity in the brain region called inferior frontal gyrus

(IFG) that control feeling empathy towards others.

Self-esteem boosted when catcalled by women but feels cheap when it was a gay who
catcalled him

Catcalling did not affect Jon, he easily moved on from the incident. There is also

a time where it boosts his self-esteem a little, but it made him feel cheap. He can’t shake

the feeling where the catcallers already saw his whole being which is the same as what he

says for women. He also indicates that for women, catcalling is such a big deal, it is

really indecent.

“Catcall, wala kasi iba talaga kung men tsaka women. Ano shina-shake off ko na talaga

eh. Wala, wala talagang epektosakin eh so..ah peroI’m pretty sure kapag—diba pag

women pag cinacatcall sobrang laking bagay, nakakabastos talaga.Parang ano, parang

ano nakita na nila buong pagkataomo eh pagna-catcall kanila. Parang nabasa na nila,

parang na kilala ka na nila. So ayun, parang wala lang parang ang anolang—at one

point, nakakalaki ngego pang-catcall ka pala.Pang-catcall levels ka na pala. Pero

nakakabastos talaga yungcatcall kasi feeling mo ang cheap cheap mo,nakaka-

cheap somehow ng pagkatao.”

(Catcall, none it is really different between men and women. I only shake it off. It really

did not affect me eh so… ah but I’m pretty sure that--- if women got catcalled it is a big
deal, it is really indecent. It was like, it’s like they already seen your whole being eh if
you got catcalled. As if they already know you. So, just like nothing--- at one point, it
makes your self-esteem high you can be catcalled. You’re in a level wherein you get
catcalled. But it is still embarrassing you feel like you’re so cheap, somehow it makes
you feel cheap you whole being.)
Self-esteem affected

Based on the answer of Beatrice on the effects of catcalling incident, her

self-esteem became low after. She can feel awkwardness when she walks as if

everyone is looking at her. She also said she gives more precaution like avoiding

areas full of men and avoiding clothes that are too revealing.

“Of course yung self-esteem ko parang bumaba...and ayun nga may pagka-
awkwardness na rin pag naglalakad ako feeling ko nakatingin sakin lahat ng tao and medyo
nag-aano na rin ako, uh.. nagdadagdag ako ng precaution kunyari iniiwasan ko ngang dumaan
sa area na puro lalaki or yung damit ko kailangan hindi...hindi siya revealing. Kailangan ano,
kunyari pag hindi siya skinny jeans kung magsusuot ako ng pambaba kailangan yung maluluwag
na pambaba. Ganon.”

(Of course my self-esteem became low...and yeah there’s awkwardness when I

walk I feel like everyone is looking at me and I kind of nag aano, uh.. I give more precaution
for example, I avoid going through an area full of men or my clothes need not...not to be
revealing. Need ano, for example not skinny jeans if I wear bottoms, it needs to be loose bottoms.
Like that.)

Catcalling affected Beatrice through her self-image, especially how she portrays

and expresses herself in what she wears. She mentioned that she should avoid clothes

that expose her skin.

“Uh I became more conscious of my self-image of the way I portray and express
myself in what I wear. Dapat iwasan ko yung mga damit like shorts or short skirts yung mga
sleeveless basically yung nag eexpose ng skin aaand uhhh so ayun. Hehe.”

(Uh I became more conscious of my self-image of the way I portray and express
myself in what I wear. I should avoid clothes like shorts or shorts skirts, sleeveless basically the
ones that expose skin aaand uhhh so yeah. Hehe.)
There were respondents that stated that they were not entirely affected by the catcalling,

may it be their self-esteem or self-confidence. Although, one of our girl respondents said

that even though catcalling did not affect her after the incident, she somehow felt

conscious about what she wears as well and then after some time, she eventually realized

that the way she dress should not be changed by catcalling. As it was stated, even though

the duration of the effect of the incident did not last for a long time, the respondent was

still affected psychologically or mentally for a moment because she had a thought of

changing the way she dress. Although, this could not be concluded that she was affected

physically since she only thought of changing but did not do it eventually. It is somehow

related to our girl respondent that stated that catcalling affected her self-esteem. She

stated that when she goes out, she is not wearing clothes that shows off too much skin

and avoids walking to an area that has a lot of men. According to Culp-Ressler, Feis and

Fubu-clad man, many women who experienced street harassment were forced to stay at

home, or simply prevent themselves from going to a place they used to go. There are

others who feel embarrassment, fear, depression, and many more. In which, our

respondent do it in a way she does not walk through a street where she used to go

whenever she sees several men due to the fear of experiencing the same again. Therefore,

our respondent was slightly affected by the incident socially, emotionally and physically

since she prevents going to an area she used to go to and changed the way she looked

physically or the way she dresses. On the other hand, there is also a respondent that stated

that the incident made his self-esteem increased but also made him feel cheap somehow.

According to a study that the researchers have done, men’s masculinity was the cause of

street harassment to women. Wherein, even though the receiver of the catcall is the one
who felt his self-esteem boosted, it is somehow related to each other. Since, he felt his

ego increased due to receiving catcalls. He can be considered as affected emotionally

since he felt cheap or embarrassed as well. The researchers deduced that people who

were not affected by catcalling were the ones who take it as a normal thing on that person

because it always happens to them, do not mind it anymore and knows that they can

protect their self if ever something happens more than that. But to the people who are

vulnerable it really bothers them and really frightens them

Possible reason why respondents were being catcalled

This information contains the possible reason of why the respondents get

catcalled. At certain point you will know what they felt, what are their responses, and

their experiences. It is shown in these data’s the answers that they have come up during

the said catcalling.

Anyone can be a victim of catcalling

Kobe said in the interview that both men and women get catcalled without any

gender discrimination. The respondent thought that in order not to get catcalled, you have

to ignore them. Ignore and just let them do whatever they are doing, but if this worsen

you have to approach them nicely but you have to be with someone to accompany you

from the person who catcalled you.

“siguro ano.... kung hindi naman sobra kasi.... diba.. sa ngayon, uhhh lalakiand babae nacacatcall. Siguro
wag mo na muna pansinin, pero pag sumobra na, lapitan mo

i-approach mo, kausapin mo... uh.. nang may kasama ka..”

 (Maybe, if it is not too much. Right now, men and women get catcalled.

Maybe..ignore them, but if they are too much, approach them.. With someone)

He recommends approaching the people who catcalled you and guide them in the right

way.

Objectification

According to the first respondent, Kobe, he gets catcalled because first he is a guy

and he often joins some competitions such as pageants. Being into pageant you got

socialized with other people. Most of them are gays. He says that it’s not totally all of

them are gays but usually he gets catcalled by them. Kobe told the researchers that he

gets called by “baby”,” babe”, etc.

“Sakin kasi ano... lalaki ako, and ayun nga diba... lagi ako sumasali sa mga

pageants so pag nakikita ako ng mga gays... di naman sa pag- aano... pero sila yun

kadalasan.. tinatawag akong baby! Ganun... o babe. Yun”

(For me uhmm.. i’m a guy... and then... i often join pageants so if there are gays...

im not saying this, but mostly they call me “baby” or “babe”)

The respondent answered that he may get catcalled because he joins in different pageants

and joining those kinds of competitions makes his social life active. Other people may

know his name and he thought he could be possibly get catcalled by people.

Vulnerability
 According to Beatrice, she thinks she got catcalled because she is young

and not because of the way she dresses since she was wearing her school uniform

when she experienced being catcalled. She also added that she is a woman and

usually alone, so the catcallers think she is vulnerable.

“Probably...because I’m young and not because of the way I dress... uh because

usually experiences ko pag naccatcall ako nakauniform ako, na nakaschool uniform eh hindi

naman siya revealing and also kasi babae ako...and I’m usually mag isa lang ako pag nangyayari
yun...so I guess they think I’m vulnerable sa state na yun.”

(Probably...because I’m young and not because of the way I dress... uh. Because
usually my experiences when I get catcalled I’m in my uniform, I was wearing school uniform
that time and it’s not revealingand also because I’m a woman...and I’m usually alone. When it
happens..so I guess they think I’m vulnerable at that state.)

Lack of manner as another factor of catcalling

Jon said that catcalling does not mainly happen because of the victim’s looks and

physical appearances. Because of lack of education and manners people do catcalling. He

said also that catcalling is a form of bullying because in catcalling the person who does it

do not just give immoral remarks but also some insolent comments.

“Catcalling kasi I’m pretty sure it’s not mainly because of your looks and

your physical appearances. Catcalling stands from ahh lack of education and lack of

manners kasi kahit sino naman na-cacatcall eh. And minsan yung catcalling di siya compliment.

(Catcalling is, I’m pretty sure it’s not mainly because of your looks and your physical
appearances. Catcalling stands from ahh... lack of education and lack of manners because anyone
can do catcalling eh. And sometimes catcalling is not a compliment. Catcalling can really be
offensive, and catcalling can come in a form of ahh bullying. Yah, catcalling is not only ahh… you
know, about compliments. It’s about sometimes, the offensive words that they say to people. So,
it’s not about your looks or physical appearance. Sometimes the people who catcalls are only
bored.)
 While the interview goes, we asked Jerome Navarro on what the reason are why

he got catcalled. He paused for a moment and try to remember if he did wrong, but when

he answered me, he didn’t do anything disrespectful because even him, he doesn’t

understand why he is experiencing this kind of event. When we are doing this interview

to our respondent, we had a conclusion in this interview when we asked him the

question,” why do you got catcalled?” and he answered he didn’t know. We have come

up with the idea that he didn’t know why he got catcalled because he lacks values in this

type of incident which is catcalling. Maybe he just doesn’t care on this experience, so he

is not mindful on these acts.

“uhhhhh…… I don’t really know maybe they just want to do it.”

(uhhhhh…… I don’t really know maybe they just want to do it.)

As our conversation went on, we asked Marga what reason she thinks why she got

catcalled. And according to her, she does not know the whole reason why. But for her,

the major reason of the people who catcalls is their perception itself. It’s their prurient

interest that is becoming dominant and because of that it makes their potential victim

uncomfortable.

“I honestly don't know why, but for me the major certainty of the reasons of

the catcallers is their trashy way of thinking na ipa-make uncomfortable yung babae o lalaki

tsaka siguro yung dumi rin sa mind nila like sexual aspect ganun.”

(I honestly don’t know why. But for me, the major certainty of the reasons of

the catcallers is their trashy way of thinking to make a man or woman uncomfortable. And also,
their dirty mind like sexual aspect also counts.)
Clothing criticism

Camille admits that she loves wearing trendy clothes a while ago. This might be

the reason why she got catcalled all the time. However, they should respect women

despite the way they dress. We asked her why she gets catcalled and her exact answer is:

“Siguro sa suot ko? Kahit ano naman ang isuot ng namindapat marunong sila rumespeto...

in-express ko lang naman yung sarili ko sa pagdamit ko...”

(The way I dress? no matter what we wear they should respect us… I’m just

expressing myself through clothing.)

All of the respondents have a reason on why they got catcalled. Some of them

where felt objectified by the cat-callers because one of the respondents usually joins

pageant that may lead to catcalling. We had a depth analysis that this happens because

usually in socialization, you get to meet different kinds of people. And some people are

into catcalling, specially the gays that our first respondent have met. He often gets

catcalled because he is well known in that kind of industry and his attractive looks. He

felt objectified because he is being degraded by the cat-callers. As the researchers

investigate the response of the respondents, they have noticed that this study may be

related to objectification theory wherein a victim could feel objectified.

Another reason why one of our respondents where catcalled because the cat caller

thinks that because she is young, so she cannot defend herself. We had an analysis in the

interviewee’s answer; because she is young the cat caller took advantage on the

respondent. The cat caller may think that she is vulnerable since she is young and

wearing a uniform. The cat caller might think she is weak and helpless. The response of
the respondent can be related to Magtalas and Sing’s article about sexual harassment

wherein it shows that no matter what age, social status, religion, or race if a person

catcalls you it can affect the victim in any way possible either they are young or old.

Clothing criticism is also a reason why one of the respondents got catcalled. She

often wears trendy (revealing) clothes back then that probably provoke the cat callers to

do the catcalling on the respondent. Since catcalling usually is defined to happen when

you wear clothes that show some of your skin. When catcalls happen most of the blame

were in clothes, but our interviewee respondent that a person must have respect on other

people. The catcalls shouldn’t put the blame on the clothes that a person wears because

wearing clothes such as trendy or revealing is a form of self-expression. This respondent

can be connected to the article of Djan Magbanua where most people blame the clothes

that the victim is wearing in terms of sexual harassment (catcalling). This article says that

this kind of attitude promotes rape culture that can affect the woman’s life. It can bring

extreme anxiety to a woman so they are going to be conscious on what they are going to

wear.

Mostly, our respondents’ answers on the reason why they get catcalled are lack of

manners. The cat caller who catcalled the victim does not have enough manners on what

catcalling is. The cat caller might do things that he/she have not realized that is catcalling,

and others may be catcalled but they did not know that ‘that incident’ is what we call

catcalling because they have shown some manners that are inappropriate to do to other

people. Most of the respondents who experience this incident are not knowledgeable

enough to say that it is catcalling that they are doing. This response can be linked to

Raymond Peter “koko” Campiglio wherein he stated that because of the feeling of the
men that are dominant in this society, they are still continuing the catcalls. Since they

were dominant in the society, they have the possibility that they lack manners which can

be used in catcalling. That may be the motive why they catcall other individual.

Difference of compliment and catcalling

To better understand the difference between catcalling and compliment,

the 6 respondents were asked they differentiate catcalling from giving a compliment

based on their experience.

Catcalling: A disrespectful manner, Compliment: A pleasant manner

We asked Kobe the difference of compliment and catcalling. The respondent

answered compliment is that you are approaching the person in a good way. And

catcalling, you are whistling or you call the person in other names.

“Siguro iapproach mo ng maayos, in a good way. Hindi yung sisitsitan mo, or...

uhhhh... tatawagin mo na ibang-ibang names.”

(Maybe.., approach them nicely and in a good way. Not like whistling or uhhh

calling them in other names.)

 Based on what Kobe’s distinction between compliment and catcall, in giving

compliment you have to give your compliment to the person in a nice way and face to

face conversation. While in catcall you called the attention of the person by whistling at

them and call that person in derogatory terms and you were being objectified.

For Jon the difference between catcalling and giving a compliment is, giving a

compliment is through face to face communication and gives you a flattering remark

which is usually in sentences while in catcalling, you do not know who whistled at you or

whose voice called you in derogatory terms which is so offensive for the victims. And

catcalling makes you really uncomfortable.

“I think the difference between ahh between giving a compliment and a catcalling

is that catcalling, you make someone feel uncomfortable kasi if you give someone

a compliment, at least yun ahh most probably face to face communication kasi

kapag catcalling hindi mo nga alam kung san nanggaling yung sipol o kaya yung

boses. And that’s really offensive lalo na pag yung sinasabi yung mga derogatory

terms like ganda, miss, gwapo, sexy ganun. And yung compliment kasi normally

yung maayos yung sinasabi and sentences siya. Kapag kasi catcalling, usually

wordslang ahh one word lang. So I think, that’s the difference yung paano

sinasabi yung compliment or catcall.”

(I think the difference between ahh between giving a compliment and a catcalling

is that catcalling, you make someone feel uncomfortable because if you give

someone a compliment, atleast it is ahh most probably face to face communication

because in catcalling you don’t know who whistled at you or called in inappropriate

names. And that’s really offensive especially if they called in derogatory terms like

ganda, miss, gwapo, sexy. And in compliment normally it is genuine and in sentences.
 But in catcalling, usually in words only ahh only one word. So I think, that’s the

difference on how compliment and catcall being said.)

Since other people are kind of confused with compliments and giving malicious

comment of an individual in public. We asked Jerome how he can differentiate the two:

“uhhhmmm....... you should have a nice approach or don’t just call someone by…..
whistling”
(uhhhmmm….. you should have a nice approach or don’t just call someone by…. Whistling)

Giving comments about a specific person is not giving you permission to disrespect and

humiliate them in public. Not just because other people are smiling, and even laughs

about the situation doesn’t mean it is okay for them to be disrespected and look and feel

disgusted by everyone. Giving compliments should be given in private conversation and

the receiver should feel confident about it. Not whistling and letting the receiver feel

scared and unsafe.

We asked Camille to differentiate the compliment from wolf whistling. She stated

that catcalling is a disrespectful compliment, compliment came from the person you

know while catcalling it depends on the person. It depends on the approach of that person

the tone and stare. Her answer to our question is:

“Catcalling would just be disrespectful.. I mean oo you can get catcalled and it

would be a compliment. Depende yun saperson plus on how much you know the person.

For me personally I’ve seen it happen too many of my friends and pati saakin”

(Catcalling would just be disrespectful.. I mean yes you can get catcalled and it
 would be a compliment. It depends on the person plus on how much you know the person.

For me personally I’ve seen it happen to many of my friends and also to me)

A lot of people are saying that catcalling is somehow the same with

complimenting. And so, we asked Marga to differentiate catcalling from saying a

compliment since she, herself knows the feeling of being catcalled.

“I look at people's eyes and tone if they're telling something. I guess it would

Reflect naman kung ano yung motive nung nagsasabi sayo. Mas okay nang asuming kesa naman

kala mobeing nice lang sayo pero hindi naman diba?”

(I look at people’s eyes and tone if they’re telling something and I guess it

would reflect someone’s motive. It’s okay to be assuming rather than thinking that someone

is being nice to you but in reality, it’s the other way around.)

Catcalling is a serious matter and it should not be compared to complimenting. We think

what she is trying to say is that complimenting is being said to someone while looking

directly into their eyes. It’s also the way how a person will say it, if it has a tone of being

rude or being nice then a person will definitely know the difference of the two.

For Beatrice, the difference between the two is that for compliment, it is given when

you have respect for the person. While for catcalling or whistling, you can feel the lack of

respect given to the person being catcalled or whistled. In addition to that, she said it is

also threatening and makes you feel like a prey with a predator.

“Yung compliment kasi, it is usually given when you have the respect for the person.

And yung catcalling and whistling, you can feel the lack of respect and it is thre-threatening in a
 way...you feel like a prey na may predator and you feel objectified.”

(The compliment kasi, it is usually given when you have the respect for the person.

And catcalling and whistling, you can feel the lack of respect and it is thre-threatening in a

way...you feel like a prey who has a predator and you feel objectified.)

All of our respondent defined catcalling as a form of approaching someone in an

indecent way. This data agrees to the insight of Jim, a respondent of Cheekie Albay, in an

article of Cosmopolitan wherein he said that some men catcalls in a not offending way

but to somehow show that they like what they see. He says that the intention of the

catcaller depends on how they say it. You are not being respected by the person who

catcalls you and you will feel being uncomfortable and sometimes will make you think if

you are still safe in the streets. And you will definitely know you are being catcalled if

they are being rude to you, by their tone when they called you and how they look at you,

if they look at you with a prurient interest.

Whereas in giving a compliment, it is being said in a face to face communication.

This was also discussed in the same article wherein another respondent called Reggies

said that some words are meant to be said only if the two parties are close enough.

Compliments will probably make you confident about yourself not feel insecure. You

will not be confused on how they differ from each other because in catcalling you are

being disrespected and objectified by the catcaller. Compliment is meant for the person

you want to give it to, it should be for the well-being of them. Catcalling is not a

compliment.
Gender Inequality

It acknowledges that men and women are not equal and affects an individual’s

lived experience. In case of catcalling, it has been normalized that men always catcalls

and women are the victim which is not reasonable. Both gender are victims of this certain

issue.

Passerby partake in catcalling

Kobe answered that perhaps if gays could see it, they could relate to each other

and made fun of it or get puzzled why that person did catcalled this guy. However, if he

sees other guys like him, he will secure the person or the victim. The respondent will

assist the person and escort him/her until he/she is secured.

“siguro ano... uhhh.. for me if... makakarelate naman sakin if kung gays
din yung makakakita.. siguro matatawa sila or mapapaisip sila na bakit ganun? Bakit ganyan?
Pero if satin naman, ako, lalaki tapos nakakita ako ng ganyan siguro uhhh isesecure ko yung
taong, yung victim, tutulungan ko siya or sasamahan ko siya pansamantala..”
(Maybe uhmm, for me, if gays can see the catcalling.. maybe they would
laugh or they will think “why is it like that?”. But if it’s us, me, a guy then i can see them "doing
the catcalling” i will secure the victim, i will help him/her or i will escort him/ her for a while.)

Someone saw Camille’s catcalling incident there was this boy who’s catcalling her.

Suddenly his friends joined him and start disrespecting Camille. At that time, she was too

scared and didn’t know what to do. According to Camille, this incident happened when

she’s walking on her way home. Her answer in our question is:

“Yes, may nakakita sa pagcacatcall sakin..tapos nakiride din yung mga

kaibigan niya sa kagaguhan ng kasama nila.. sobrang natakot ako that time.. like di ko talaga
 alam kung anong gagawin ko sobrang traumatic..”

(Yes, someone saw my catcalling incident.. and the friends of the

maniac whose catcalling me joined him.. I'm so scared that time ..like I do not really

know what to do it’s so traumatic ..)

Didn’t report to the police

We asked Kobe if he reported the occurrence to the authorities. Unfortunately, he

didn’t he just ignored the incident. He doesn’t want the catcalling to be reported in order

for the issue not to grow bigger. He just tried to understand why the person who cat

called him did that. He set aside those incidents and get back to his normal life style.

“uhhh.. in-inano sinet aside ko nalang.. kasi parang ayoko na pa-- palakihin
parang inintindi nalang sila.”
(Uhmm.. i set aside it.. because I don’t like that issue to gr—grow bigger.
I will just understand them.)

As she experienced catcalling, we questioned Marga if she ever reported it to a

police. But the respondent did not report it right after the incident because she thinks that

it requires a lot of work. And we think the other reason why she did not report it because

according to her own words from my previous question, her mindset is she can handle

and protect herself. Marga’s exact words are:

“No kasi ma-trabaho pa eh and bata lang ako eh hahaha tamad ako eh.”

(No because it requires a lot of work and I’m not yet an adult hahaha I’m lazy.)
 Jon hasn’t reported the catcalling incident that happened to him but only said it

to the people who also lives near the place where the incident happened but never to the

police. There is a girl that Jon knows wherein she reported to the police the incident that

happened to her but the police did not take her seriously instead she was the one got

blamed.

“Well ako personally, hindi pa ko nagreport kahit kanino kahit sa close friends ko. Naku-

Kwento ko minsan kung taga doon sila pero di ako nakakapagreport sa police ever. Pero

May kilala ako na girl ahh apparently, di siya tinake seriously sinabi lang..parang siya

pa nasisi.Ba’t daw siya naglalakad mag-isa, bakit ka naglalakad doon in the first place

kung alam mo naming madilim ganun maraming tambay.”

(Well for me personally, I did not report it the police or to any of my friends. Sometimes I

tell to a friend if they live there but I really haven’t tried reported it to the police. But I know

a girl ahh apparently, she wasn’t taken seriously, the police only blamed her. They said why

she was walking by herself in the first place if she knows that it is dark there and a lot of

tambay.)

Catcalling: A mainstream culture

For Jon, catcalling has become a social norm in the Philippines that it is hard to

oppose. He said that most people who were out of school and only stays at home or mga

tambay sa kanto are usually the ones who do catcalling. But there some people rich or not

they also do catcalling. For some people who saw or hear the incident that happened they

did sometimes do something. But maybe if it involves sexual harassment then the witness

will do something.

“wala, catcalling has become so normal in the Philippines. That its become a
 part of social norms that we’re.. wala—that we’re forced to live by. It’s a very ahh..

Widespread phenomenally in the Philippines. Sobrang hirap niya kontrahin kasi yung mga

nagca-catcall usually yung mga di nakapag-aral, yung mga tambay. Pero magugulat ka may

mga nagca-catcall na nasa kotseng magaganda. So yah, nakikita siya eh like wala silang—

wala namang nagagawa kung andun siya eh..parang din nasiya big deal. Siguro kapag.. Siguro

pag yung catcalling meaning, ano siya..nag-upgrade na siguro siya sa physical contact ayun

siguro may intervention nayun from other people na nakakakita, nakakarinig. Pero catcalling

from my experience, sobrang normal na siya pati sa girls. Walang ginagawa yung mga tao

sa paligid.”

(No, catcalling has become so normal in the Philippines. That it became a

part of social norms. That we’re… no--- that we’re forced to live by. It’s a very ahh widespread
phenomenally in the Philippines. It is so hard to contradict because the person who do catcalling
usually are ones who haven’t finished their education, mga tambay. So yah, it can be seen eh but--
- no one can do anything… it’s like it is not a big deal. Maybe if… maybe if catcalling…
upgraded until there is a physical contact then maybe there will be an intervention from the people
who witnessed it. But catcalling from my experience, it so normal also in girls. The witnesses do
not act.)

To sum it all up, catcalling has been normalized nowadays. Our respondents didn’t file a

case against the suspect because they think it will be a hassle. According to Jon, the

police did not take her friend seriously instead she was the one got blamed. It is one of

the reasons why victims didn’t want to report the incident to the police because of the

victim blaming. Witnesses of the incident did nothing to defend our respondents. If men

were catcalled, people will make fun of them and if women are the victim of catcalling

people will show their concern and some people will act like they didn’t see anything.

Eventually, in this kind of world you should learn self -defense and be strong regardless

of your gender.

To sum it all up, catcalling has been normalized nowadays. Our respondents

didn’t file a case against the suspect because they think it will be a hassle. According to
Jon, the police did not take her friend seriously instead she was the one got blamed. It is

one of the reasons why victims didn’t want to report the incident to the police because of

the victim blaming. Witnesses of the incident did nothing to defend our respondents. If

men were catcalled, people will make fun of them and if women are the victim of

catcalling people will show their concern and some people will act like they didn’t see

anything. Eventually, in this kind of world you should learn self defense and be strong

regardless of your gender.

It is connected to difference theory which is the idea that males and females really

do converse differently. They are completely different in terms of understanding,

feelings, intimacy and solving conflicts. Gender stereotyping and judgement of the

people makes the both individual different from each other. They defined men as

catcallers and women as sexual object which is unfair and shows gender inequality
 CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This section includes the summary of this research of the findings, conclusion and

recommendation aroused as a result of the study conducted by the researchers. based on

the data analyzed in the previous chapter.

Summary

The main objective of this study is to observe the mindset of people on how they

will react if they saw a man and woman being catcalled. The researchers want to open

their minds of the readers on this issue. This study aims to make an in depth analysis of

the lived experiences of men and women on catcalling, the researchers seek to answer. It

is stated in the title that this will be a comparative study, therefore, this research will

compare on how will men and women react if they happen to experience this.

Additionally, only the comparative effects and perceptions are discussed here in this

research and not the etymology of this action.

The researchers had effort and time to develop their questionnaire so as to serve

its purpose and intended respondents. The 6 respondents were divided into 3 male and 3

female; both of which should be students studying in Metro Manila. As to the data

collection procedure, they seek for people they know that are fit to be part of the study

and if they can refer someone, lastly, we searched around the university belt. The

respondents were contacted by the researchers, as they set a common free time and place
to hold the interview. Lastly, after all the interviews, the researchers will start their

conclusion and in-depth analysis.

The major findings in this study is both genders have experienced catcalling, but

women have an experience that are worse than men. In this study the researchers have

observed that most men don’t complain on the said incident instead they are just ignoring

them. Women have experienced catcalling in a different way. Most catcallers put

dominance towards women. Since women are fragile, catcallers tend to catcall them more

because they cannot fight back. The effects of it in both parties are their physical, mental,

and emotional aspects can make the person to feel degraded. It greatly touches the

person’s life because it may affect their self-esteem and confidence. They get conscious

in their physical appearance and feel ashamed of being their self.

Conclusion

 Most of them felt uncomfortable during the incident while the others felt unsafe

and offended. One of our respondents felt uncomfortable and unsafe during the

incident. The fact that they said that they felt uncomfortable and unsafe, it only

means that the situation that the repondent's have experienced is really a markable

one. Although, they felt safe already after the incident and did not lose their self-

confidence as well. Some of our respondents also stated that they do not mind the

people who catcalls them and just let it pass if there was not any physical

interaction with the catcaller. A respondent also stated that he was not entirely

affected by the catcalling. Therefore, the respondents were not really affected
 emotionally or mentally because of the incident. Which only means that this

incident does not affect the victim personally as well.

 The researchers have concluded that most catcalling happens not just because on how

they wear their clothes, but due to lack of education that most people didn’t have any

values and manners. As one of the respondents says that catcalling is another method of

bullying since in catcalling the person who does it, do not just provide immoral

remarks but also some rude commentaries.

 All of our respondents defined catcalling as a form of approaching someone in an

indecent way. You’re not being respected by the person who catcalls you and you

will feel being uncomfortable and sometimes will make you think if you are still

safe in the streets. And you will definitely know you are being catcalled if they

are being rude to you, by their tone when they called you and how they look at

you, if they look at you with a prurient interest. Whereas in giving a compliment,

it is being said in a face to face communication. Compliments will probably

make you confident about yourself not feel insecure. You will not be confused on

how they differ from each other because in catcalling you are being disrespected

and objectified by the catcaller. Compliment is meant for the person you want to

give it to, it should be for the well-being of them. Catcalling is not a compliment.

 According to the Stop street harassment, 68% of women were sexually harassed by men.

The reason why the law and society favors in women because the dominance of victims.

Based on our interview, male also affected by catcalling but they can handle it and take

the catcall as a compliment. Unlike girls, they are fragile and can’t do anything to defend

their self. There are some mass media that shows catcalling is a normal thing to do that is

why the uneducated people mostly male thinks that it is okay. Female are more prone to
 catcalling compare to male that’s why the law like Senate Bill 1326 or the Safe Streets

and Public Spaces Act of 2017 focuses only on the protection of a woman.

Recommendations

 In women, they should express their reactions and experiences when they were

catcalled. They should be able to share their thoughts and feelings before and after

they can be catcalled. This will also help them find more information behind the

catcalls they receive.

 For men, their reactions and feelings should also be expressed after they were

catcalled. It will help them to fully express their views that not only are women

experiencing such events. It helps them to have the same equal places as women.

It also helps men find more information behind the causes of catcalls they receive.

 For fellow researchers in the future, as one of the respondents said, catcalling is a

form of bullying, therefore, we recommend that the future researchers should

study this further. Additionally, we recommend that researchers should include

men in studying any forms of harassments for men nowadays experience this kind

of issues.

 For parents, they should warn their children who have experienced such an event.

Parents should be aware of this issue to be able to discipline their children. The

researchers believe that to be able to stop catcalling, parents should be able

properly teach their children the proper behaviour and to help other people that

are in this kind of situation even though it is dangerous emergency or not if it

bothers a person they should help them.

 For the people, society should raise awareness about sexual harassment,

particularly catcalling. They should be informed that catcalling also happens to

men and know that even though they were a men any harassment can happen to

them also and we should be able to help them still. To be able to stop catcalling,

society should be attentive and mind the issue catcalling. Although that a lot of

people say that this is just a minor matter, catcalling bothers a lot of victim and

that is what matters the most.