A perfect world would allow women to live happily without fear of being attacked, catcalled, or otherwise assaulted. We live in the real world. Unfortunately, this means that women must adapt to the real world.

We hold our keys in each other's hands Wolverine-style. We purchase decorative brass knuckles and bedazzled pepper spray. These are great for physical attacks, but what about verbal?

Heather Thompson Day found the perfect solution for lewd, uninvited comments. Take note ladies, you'll want to use this one.

My Dad Just Told me, "Never Laugh"

Heather Thompson Day, a Twitter user, shared her genius advice with over 120,000 people and received 500,000 likes. She began, "When I was 19 years old, my boss told me I should be a telephone sex operator. I laughed."

Day said that he said that he didn't understand it. He then said that 'it was a joke'. Day said that he would explain it to him. "And that's how i learned that sexual harassers must explain why their inappropriate jokes make them laugh.

Day explained that Day's boss at the radio station was a man thirty years her senior. Many users shared similar stories. Day was only 19 when she came up with this idea. She attributes this to her father.

Day wrote that Day had just heard his father tell him to not laugh. They will misunderstand your nervous laughter for compliance.

Instead, pretend that you don't understand it and let them explain why. This advice has been a staple in my life.

Catch-All Comeback

Catcalling is a worldwide problem. A UN study found that 90% of men catcall women for fun.

Okay, everyone has completed their 360-degree eyeroll with me. Let's get on with it. Day's method shifts attention back to the commenter. This forces harassers to either deflect from their true intent or admit it: harassment.

Reddit user claims that this method is applicable to all ages. It was explained to me by the "three whys." However, you can also ask, "Why?" But it is worth trying different words and phrases.

"For whatever reason," they continue, "after three requests for explanation, almost all answers will have to be, 'because I'm racist/sexist/homophobic/a plain f--ing a-hole, etc."

Beat them at their own game

Sometimes, the best thing is to make them as uncomfortable as you are making yourself. Women have been encouraged for too long to ignore inappropriate comments.

But these days are gone. Ask them to explain. You can put them on the spot. Then, immediately cut them down. This NYC woman did it beautifully (jump up to:29).

All of these techniques have been used by me. Actually, I also have a radio station job and have been given similar comments about my potential to be a phone sex operator.

The patriarchy won't fall overnight, unfortunately. There will always be people who feel entitled harassing others until major social changes are made.

In the end, they will beat you at your own game. They hate it, I promise.

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By: Melanie A. Davis
Title: Woman Has Genius Advice To Shut Down Men Who Make Lewd Comments
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/how-to-shut-down-men-who-make-lewd-comments/2594754/
Published Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2021 16:35:00 +0000

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