An Open Letter to the Man That Whistled at Me Today

Dear sir,

Hi. I’m the young woman that you whistled at today on 52^nd street when you were zipping by on your bicycle and I was going to get paint out of my car during art class. I’m writing to let you know that I didn’t appreciate your whistle, nor did I appreciate you turning around and looking at me after you’d already passed me and started pedaling away, as if you were waiting to see my reaction.

What reaction did you think I would have, exactly? Did you think I would blow you a kiss? Run after you and ask for your number? Flash you? If so, you need a reality check. I’m not so sure if you would have appreciated me riding by on my bicycle, whistling at you while you were minding your own business. I know, you probably think it was flattering. Why wouldn’t a young female want to receive some attention from a twenty-something male riding a bicycle while wearing crispy white tube socks? Well, you’re wrong. This young female does not want or need your attention. And for the record, your tube socks are nerdy.

Perhaps you think since I was wearing leggings and bending over slightly while I reached into my car, it was as opportune of a time as any since my tookus was primely exposed. Maybe you thought you were doing me a favor by letting me know you thought my butt looked good in my leggings. Well dude, here’s the thing: I know my butt looked good in my leggings. And I don’t need anyone, let alone a stranger on a bicycle, to tell me that. Furthermore, I should be able to parade around without pants on and reach into my car without the threat of the male gaze and objectification of a whistling bicycle man. But back to my great butt…

Don't mess with me, Tube Sock Man

I know that I have nice wide hips, and I know my thighs look good, and I know I have a really nice, bangin’, juicy booty. I know how my hips, thighs, and butt look when I wear leggings. I like how they look. I love my body and acknowledge that these parts of me could be attractive to strangers, but I don’t necessarily care to know that. I think these parts of me are attractive, and I sure as hell don’t need your fleeting whistle and over confident look over your shoulder to remind me. 

Now I’m not opposed to genuine compliments. I love complimenting people, especially strangers. But there is a difference in telling someone kindly and respectfully that they are beautiful or handsome verses whistling at them as if they are an animal or object whose attention needs to be gotten.

Your whistle was the first time I’ve been aware of being whistled at, and honestly it didn’t make me as mad as I always thought it would, but as I’m sure you’ve gathered, it was a dick move and I didn’t appreciate it. The way you addressed me today was rude and stupid, and neither one of us gained anything from the experience. I suggest that next time you find any part of a female attractive and you want to vocalize this, get to know that person a little bit first and give them a genuine compliment. And if you want to receive the same respect and generosity, ditch the tube socks.

Sincerely,

Bekah 'Bangin Juicy Booty' Pollard