In Natalie Cortes's article Catcalling is Not a Compliment, written for The National Organization for Women, the author considers the boundary between catcalls (comments, whistles, or other unwanted attention, typically directed at female-identifying people on public streets) and compliments. The resource explores the issues at play when men, who are typically in +power positions, direct unwanted compliment language at strangers-- typically women and girls who are then imposed upon to respond or react. The resource will help learners distinguish between catcalls and compliments, consider gender as it relates to power and imposition, and recognize that not all "complimentary language" is welcome. Per the image, American English learners should take note: telling a woman you don't know to "smile" (usually followed by some form of "because you're beautiful") could be considered catcall language.
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American English |