Do you call it harrassment, or do you call it a compliment?

If you’ve been on the internet at all, you’ve probably seen this video of a woman walking around New York. (For those not interested in watching the video, a relatively attractive woman wearing jeans and a t-shirt secretly filmed 108 catcalls from strangers during 10 hours on the streets of NYC.)

What started me thinking about this question were two responses from men when a (female) friend posted this link on Facebook. One said, apparently completely without irony “Ahh….beauty can be a gift and a curse but who would choose the alternative? She should consider having a plastic surgeon fix her up to look less attractive and that would end her dilemma” and another “Yeah this is one of those, “girl sit down somewhere” moments. Great point, if the alternative is her desire, then I’m sure she could tone it down to see if she gets the same experience. I would like to see her try this wearing a business suit or dressed formally. Just curious to find out whether the response will change”.

So, let’s set aside the question of respect and common courtesy. Are the majority of men not aware that 1 in 5 women have reported being raped at some point in their lives ? In that culture, why would making cat calls at a stranger be ok?

If you watch Fox, it’s a complement. So what say you? Intimidation, sexual assault, compliment, or pick up line? What’s your take?