Catcalling is a Problem on Campus

At a first glance, it is impossible to ascertain the culture and ideals surrounding a college. The advertisements and tours never give a complete picture of what it means to be a Bobcat. It can be difficult to discern the truth of a place without cultural knowledge regarding both the state of Montana and the city of Bozeman. On an even smaller level, colleges perpetuate their own societal and cultural norms, which many incoming freshmen are undoubtedly oblivious to. The walkability of a college is, in a roundabout way, defined by the culture surrounding the area.

 Catcalling, a form of street harassment, has become culturally ingrained on many college campuses. The practice of this verbal harassment, as well as the response of its victims, have both been twisted by cultural norms. Pop culture has worked to de-villainize catcalling in both movies and TV-shows, often playing out as a comedic joke or a harmless compliment. This is actually a horrible portrayal of the psychological damage which can result from this sort of harassment. Based on discussions with various students who wish to remain anonymous, MSU students have experienced the following: being barked at, verbal abuse, sexual comments, homophobic remarks and body shaming. 

‘Catcalling’ is a net term surrounding different forms of street harassment that goes much further beyond just the whistle that the name came from. Montana’s perpetuation of western masculinity makes sure that all non-cis gendered men are treated no better than they were in 1865. It also seems that as members of this great state, all students should suffer in silence instead of seeking help from qualified professionals. It does not help that these victims are not incentivized to speak out against street harassment. 

The resulting effects can range from second-guessing an outfit to not leaving the dorms as much as before. Students could also purposely avoid certain places, therefore slowly eroding their own mental health as a result. Walking at night is sometimes a necessity, and Bozeman makes it scary. Each street lacks proper lighting since there are no lights, and instead of creating a feeling resembling comfort, there is the looming presence of fear. Each car that slows down or passes also becomes the subject of another type of fearful thought. 

MSU itself has some pretty terrible walkability as far as safety goes along secluded pathways, and a lot of students are required to walk at night. The crisp air and the cooling temperatures make the idea of a nighttime stroll seem perfect. Even in winter, when the snow is falling and the moon is out, people like to walk. 

Each semester outside of Montana Hall, the stories of victims who have not received due justice are outlined in chalk. Students may stop and read the experiences of these select few, but the majority of people keep their mouths sealed. Universities have trouble speaking out against their own students and are especially terrible about holding people or groups accountable without incentive. MSU has services for every student; however, the culture surrounding the university does not allow for these services to be utilized to the extent that they should be. This is, in part, an issue that is perpetuated by the students.

 Everyone has a fantasy of what college should offer, and unfortunately, it doesn’t exactly resemble the movies. As much as people attempt to model their school experience after the film Monster’s University, the reality of college is much dimmer. As a community, we have failed at countering a culture of harassment and misogyny. Resigning the future generations of students to the same fate many have experienced while walking here. How safe is the walkability of campus? Furthermore, what can be done to make MSU students feel safer on their own turf?