Video offers striking look at harassment

By MONA OSMER

The Hollaback! campaign uploaded a Youtube video this week titled, “10 hours of walking in NYC as a woman,” revealing the environment in which women are exposed to daily in cities such as New York.

Inspired by the experiences of his girlfriend, cameraman Rob Bliss reached out to “Hollaback,” a campaign that advocates against street harassment. Bliss’s intention was to gain attention to the issue of street harassment and the dangers that it poses.

For example, street harassment disproportionately impacts women, people of color and young people by calling at them and making the streets an uncomfortable aspect of everyday life.

There are several instances clearly documented when the woman in the video is walking and men continually harass her for her number, her name and anything else just to get her attention.

As a student, as well as a female, I am no stranger to the aspects of street harassment. Therefore, it is not surprising to see this woman get harassed the way that she was on screen.

I applaud Bliss in his unveiling of street culture as it has always existed and the promotion of campaigns like Hollaback! that intend to empower those victimized.

It is appalling that the men in this video seem to believe that they are entitled to the contact information and conversation with this woman.

My eyes have certainly been opened to the serious nature of street harassment and the environments that some individuals become subject to in cities.

In addition, to making women feel uncomfortable, street harassment can act as a segway to kidnapping concerns. The streets are not always safe and it is imperative that we remember this and its effect on individuals.