When did you start your account?
This past February.
Why were you inspired to start an account?
I discovered @catcallsofnyc and saw a way to advocate for safety, equality and disadvantaged groups’ rights.
Why do you think “chalking back” is a good method to raise awareness?
I think this movement is such a great one because we literally write the problem on the streets, to be read everywhere where people go. this way it is almost impossible to ignore the matter. it also shows how widespread the issue is and educates people who didn’t think it was that big of a problem or didn’t know about it at all. It also turns something that vile, evil and sometimes even traumatizing into art and i think that really helps the victims deal with their experiences - because it shows that there are better times coming, and we should never lose hope.
Why do you think ending street harassment is important?
I think it is not only street harassment that we would be eliminating but also the idea of objectifying and that it is okay to make comments about strangers to make them feel uncomfortable. Street harassment is a big part of rape culture and getting rid of that would be immensely helpful to create a safe environment for, for the most part, women but also victims in general.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
The suburban and metropolitan vibe mixed together. i love how you kind of know everyone but can always meet new people.
How can your city better address street harassment?
Bremen could start campaigns about this issue and sensitize its citizen through those and most importantly its police officers. They should also make street harassment and especially catcalling a punishable crime (no that isn’t over the top. there is a difference between compliments and gross comments about strangers).
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
Hopefully, i can create a safe space for victims of street harassment, for them to speak out on their experiences and have a place where they can deal with those in a healthy way. Maybe i will even be able to trigger a political reaction or at least make people aware of the fact that catcalling exists and isn’t fun for the victim.
What’s the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced?
None of my experiences really stick out but i have been called names, there have been gross comments about my body and the list goes on. Every time I walk by a man or especially when it’s a group of guys i can only think “are they gonna make a comment? how will I react? will they follow me?”
What does being a part of this campaign mean to you? I have always looked for a way to do more as a feminist and activist. With this campaign i have finally found a way to do that. I feel like I am really helping making this world a better place. it is also really important to me to make sure victims of sexual harassment have a place where they can vent and see that their experiences are no one’s fault but their own.
