You Couldn't Make It Up

[joeluke]

Builders investigated for wolf-whistling woman

Before you know it, winking at a bird will be deemed 'offensive' too

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3057347/Police-probe-construction-firm-23-year-old-woman-accused-builders-sexual-harassment-WOLF-WHISTLING.html

[andy-hughes]

This is another case of intention versus reception.

The builders probably thought they were having a bit of banter, and doing nothing wrong. The lady in question obviously did not share that perception.

It harks back to Dave Lee Travis's defence - 'I am a cuddly tactile person ...'.

That's fine, but it doesn't give you carte blanche to put your hands on any woman you take a fancy to, and expect her to enjoy it because you are the cuddly Hairy Cornflake.

Some people take behaviour like this in their stride, some are upset and intimidated - but the rule governing such behaviour should always be that the recipient governs the behaviour, how far it goes, and if it stops or continues.

[chanel5]

The dehumanising behaviour that this woman endured - lewd remarks, being made to feel intimidated and uncomfortable, singled out for unwanted attention - is a form of bullying. She was treated as a sex object and her feelings were completely ignored. No-one, whether male or female, should be made to feel like this for the amusement of others. She was right to complain. I don't agree with those who criticise her for doing so, and shame on those who condone the behaviour of the men.

[atalanta]

Wolf-whistling is a form of sneering. If it is constant and increases in hostility, anyone would be intimidated, which was exactly what was intended.

[ludwig]

Surely she should just change her route to avoid that building site andy, like the people who should change their internet usage to avoid online abuse?
If there's no alternative route she could always stick her fingers in her ears on the way past.

[Caribeing]

It's when they stop whistling that you should worry!

[Xeronema]

If I was in her position I'd just give them some abuse back. Something like "Get back to work on your £6.XX an hour you scruffy ugly looking barsteward, I wouldn't come near you with a scaffolding board".

[andy-hughes]

Xeronema - //If I was in her position I'd just give them some abuse back. Something like "Get back to work on your £6.XX an hour you scruffy ugly looking barsteward, I wouldn't come near you with a scaffolding board". //

An excellent solution - if you possess the personal confidence to deliver it - a lot of women certainly don't, which is why they should be protected from this sort of behaviour.

Sadly, the men may have seen a lack of reaction as simply acceptance, when in fact it may have been intimidation and fear.

[andy-hughes]

Ludwig - //Surely she should just change her route to avoid that building site andy, like the people who should change their internet usage to avoid online abuse?
If there's no alternative route she could always stick her fingers in her ears on the way past.//

I disagree.

Why should any woman be prevented from walking down a street anywhere by boorish intimidating behaviour?

Would a man put up with it?

[jno]

Cloverjo, you think in a few years she's going to be upset because men don't block the pavement in front of her?

That's more than whistling, that's intimidation. Good for her for taking action.

[TWR]

Big fuss over sod all, I wonder if she ignores the whistles in the pubs she uses at night with her friends? ( If she does use them)

[andy-hughes]

TWR, I checked your gender before posting, and I see that you are a man - what a surprise!

[Svejk]

Some women enjoy it, but some don't. It is a sackable offence.
Cat Stevens(Yusuf?) soon got fed up with the builders next door who sang 'Morning Has Broken' every time he went out.

[Elina]

Andy, I had the confidence to reply to my tormentor, he took it as a great snub & upped his game in a nastier way. I then had to resort to reporting him.

[andy-hughes]

Elina - //Andy, I had the confidence to reply to my tormentor, he took it as a great snub & upped his game in a nastier way. I then had to resort to reporting him. //

Always the danger in these situations - chasing your quarry over the cliff.

By no means do all men who whistle and cat-call women have a superior attitude, but it can be part of the personal make-up, and the sort of mind that thinks that even light-weight intimidation is amusing can often be the mind that decides to teach an uppity woman a lesson.

[Elina]

Yes Andy, damned if you do ... damned if you don't.

[andy-hughes]

Elina - //Yes Andy, damned if you do ... damned if you don't. //

It's instances like this that make me simultaneously glad to be a man, and ashamed of my gender

[trt]

I wish a women would whistle after me!

[Svejk]

///It's instances like this that make me simultaneously glad to be a man, and ashamed of my gender///

For gawd's sake.

[Elina]

I think there's always the possibility with 'some' men/ women .. for this type of behaviour to cross the line/ get out of control ... pack mentality. I do believe though that this kind of thing happens much less now as firms are made more aware of the consequences.

[Elina]

I've worked 12 years for the Uni, 7 years in my present building. When I first started there, there was pics up on the men's brew room wall of scantily clothed ladies. How much has changed in that respect in those 7 years! There is change, very gradual change.