construction workers hitting on you

kddani · #1 07-24-2002, 01:00 PM

Now to start off, i apologize to any "normal" construction workers out there.
But WHY oh WHY do construction workers/repairmen/men with jobs of that type have to make catcalls and comments everytime a decent looking woman walks by? Do they really think they're going to get a response? Do they ever (besides the finger or some profanity) even get a response?
I can usually just see it coming... i was walking to the post office during lunch and saw some telephone repair workers taking their lunch break. I just knew some sort of comments were coming. And sure enough, they did. I ended up walking back to work a different way because I didn't want to deal with it.
They're almost impossible to avoid, my school and work are in a busy city neighborhood with constant construction. I'm not dressed to provoke it in some tube top and daisy dukes, i'm wearing a perfectly respectable dress today.
Is this a job requirement for men to hold those sorts of jobs? Having an arsenal of cat calls and sexual explicit remarks for innocent passerby?
I usually just ignore them, but geez, it gets annoying!
Just wanted to rant, i'm sure this happens to most women.

James · #2 07-24-2002, 01:41 PM

Well you are not going to stop it . . . so take it as a compliment! Imagine how you would feel if they whistled at all the women . . . except for you.

I have seen women, even young women, that have been ignored walking by, I kind of felt bad for them.

h2oot · #3 07-24-2002, 01:50 PM

LOL, I saw the topic: "Contruction workers hitting on ya" and then I saw James' name to the right. I thought maybe he's been hanging out with the Village People.

Come to think of it, its not a bad idea for those who think it's ok, to stroll through some places where they can be the object of some unwanted public affection. While it will happen from time to time, it doesn't make it any less annoying when a group of guys revert to a pack mentality.

ZTAngel · #4 07-24-2002, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by James
Well you are not going to stop it . . . so take it as a compliment! Imagine how you would feel if they whistled at all the women . . . except for you.

I have seen women, even young women, that have been ignored walking by, I kind of felt bad for them.

It can be a compliment to a certain extent. But, when you have a greasy, nasty looking guy started whistling and making all these obscene gestures pointing at you with all his buddies it just gives you this icky feeling all over. In that case, it's not flattering...it's degrading.

kddani · #5 07-24-2002, 02:08 PM

On occasion, it can be flattering (like when you're having a "fat" day and think you look like crap). But there's not really a justifiable reason for doing it. You don't see [many] businessmen in suits running around catcalling....
I agree totally what ZTAngel said about it being icky guys.

damasa · #6 07-24-2002, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kddani
On occasion, it can be flattering (like when you're having a "fat" day and think you look like crap). But there's not really a justifiable reason for doing it. You don't see [many] businessmen in suits running around catcalling....
I agree totally what ZTAngel said about it being icky guys.

I think that would totally depend on where you are. I see quite a few "businessmen" catcalling and whatnot in downtown Milwaukee. Then again, not all businessmen would do that, nor would all construction workers.

shultzz · #7 07-24-2002, 04:06 PM

What approach would you prefer them to use?

kdonline · #8 07-24-2002, 04:22 PM

Dani sweetie...

You'll be singing a different tune when it still happens to you at MY age!!!!

(11 days till the big 3-5!)

shultzz · #9 07-24-2002, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kddani
On occasion, it can be flattering (like when you're having a "fat" day and think you look like crap). But there's not really a justifiable reason for doing it. You don't see [many] businessmen in suits running around catcalling....
I agree totally what ZTAngel said about it being icky guys.

We are not icky. According to ZTAngel, we are greasy and nasty but we make you feel icky.

Eirene_DGP · #10 07-24-2002, 05:36 PM

Well KDDani, it seems that the issue of them being constuction workers etc. is more of an issue than the cat calls. I have been to the mall and plenty of college educated guys do the same thing. Personally, I like the attention.

Jeff OTMG · #11 07-24-2002, 05:52 PM

If you object to it and don't want to go out of your way to avoid it you always have the option of making them feel like idiots in front of their coworkers. Something along the lines of a comment like: 'Has that approach ever actually worked for you? i mean since 5th grade.' or 'Does your wife know that you are trying to pick up women?' If he is married actually ask to see his drivers license and call his wife at home. Betcha he won't do it tomorrow. Bet he won't show you his license when you call him on it. They do it to embarrass you, if you don't respond as they like they will ignore you the next time they see you or call you unflattering names. Don't get mad or offended, play with it and offend them. They won't expect it and it will stop.

APhi · #12 07-24-2002, 06:24 PM

Yeah, that's all well and good if they're actually in front of you. What I can't stand is random catcalls along a busy street when I'm out walking the puppy. It just seems cowardly and immature to drive around honking at girls but staying far away from them.

Tom Earp · #13 07-24-2002, 06:26 PM

Damn 35 year old KIDS!

Wait till you really Grow up!!

Hey, if your a hot chick dont feel to bad! Just ignor the cranial rectosis morons and walk along you merry path knowing you are more intelligent than they are with the crack of their asses showing when they bend over!

Never understood why they wear heard hats when if something hit them in the head and said DA!

Dionysus · #14 07-24-2002, 06:50 PM

I get VERY offended when a slimy guy hits on me. What does that make me look like? A slimy girl.

lovelyivy84 · #15 07-24-2002, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dionysus
I get VERY offended when a slimy guy hits on me. What does that make me look like? A slimy girl.

Nah, it just means that YOU are cute and THEY are sleazy. THat's all.

I am an old, old hand at fake-ignoring- never walk anyplace without a walkman AND a book, lol. I will never forget the day I was ont he subway with my MOTHER and this dude started singing "sexual chocolaaaate" at me- she gave him the WORST look, and I had to pretend like I didn't notive any of it, lol. To this day I CTFU at the memory of her face...

When that happens,t he reaction they get depends on how they approach. If the man starts out with "excuse me miss" he'll get a smile and nod as I keep walking.

If it's "psssst" (I HATE that) or "yo shorty" then they get nada. All they want is a reaction! Don't give them one!