Story Brunch
Eve Teasing: A Menace Rooted in Character, Not Clothing
Eve teasing—known in some regions as street harassment—remains an unfortunate reality across the world, from busy Indian markets to downtown streets in the USA or England’s bustling city centers. Though some people hastily blame a woman’s attire for this form of harassment, the truth is far more telling: it is not a woman’s dressing or lifestyle that provokes eve teasing but the character, mindset, and upbringing of the man who engages in it. The misguided notion that a particular style of clothing “invites” harassment only masks the root issue: some men choose to project their moral failings onto women they deem “improperly dressed” or “bold,” using skimpy clothing as a convenient excuse for their own unacceptable behavior.
The Fallacy of “She Asked for It”
A common thread in cultures worldwide is the argument that women who dress in revealing or modern attire are “asking for it.” In reality, men who do not harbor the intention to harass or demean will never indulge in such behavior—regardless of how a woman is dressed or what her profession may be. Even in extreme examples, such as a woman known to be a sex worker, a person who has no inclination toward harassment will abstain from catcalling, whistling, or making lewd remarks. This clearly illustrates that the act of eve teasing depends on the perpetrator’s mindset and sense of right and wrong, not on a woman’s outward appearance.
It’s almost comical—if it weren’t so unsettling—how women can be catcalled even when they’re fully covered, sometimes wearing oversized hoodies, sweatpants, or even face masks that hide every feature. At that point, the harassers aren’t responding to clothing at all; they’re reacting to the mere presence of someone they identify as a woman. One woman recounts how she once stepped out in a giant sweatshirt, baggy jeans, and a mask over her face, only to be whistled at from across the street.
It was as though they were catcalling the abstract concept of “woman,” rather than a specific individual. This bizarre experience highlights that the root of eve teasing is never truly about “provocative” outfits—it’s about those who see women as targets, irrespective of how they dress.
Similar stories abound in places where women opt for full-body coverings, like a burqa or a headscarf, yet still face harassment in the streets. A woman could be covered from head to toe, and it wouldn’t matter; these individuals see her as fair game for catcalls and lewd comments. The reality is that eve teasing is driven by a harasser’s attitude, not by a woman’s attire, making it painfully clear that the problem lies in how some men think, not in how women dress.
Projection as a Self-Defense Mechanism
Psychologically speaking, projection is one of the most common defense mechanisms. When it comes to eve teasing, a man who is aware—consciously or otherwise—of his own moral failing might attempt to rationalize his behavior by placing the blame on the woman. He sees a woman in a particular outfit, deems her “provocative,” and in doing so convinces himself he is justified in his actions. This is nothing more than distorted justification of disrespect and an attempt to divert attention from his own misconduct. It is critical to recognize that disliking someone’s dressing style or finding it objectionable does not logically or morally translate into harassing that person. Disapproval can exist without devolving into harmful behavior.
Peer Pressure and Group Dynamics
Another element that perpetuates eve teasing is the role of male peer groups. Often, a single comment or catcall by one individual is cheered on or supported by his friends. This collective laughter or praise emboldens the harasser, creating a group dynamic that normalizes the act. Many young men may not initially intend to partake in such behavior but do so because they feel peer pressure to “fit in,” leading to a vicious cycle of street harassment. From large Indian cities like Mumbai or Delhi, to nightlife hotspots in New York City or London, the crowd mentality can amplify disrespect and transform what could have been an isolated incident into repeated patterns of harassment.
Traits of Cat-callers
Many men who resort to eve teasing share a surprisingly similar pattern of behavior. On the surface, they act bold and confident with their catcalls and whistles. But when confronted face-to-face, they often become nervous and tongue-tied. Their cowardice becomes evident the moment they realize they can no longer hide behind the safety of a crowd or a moving vehicle. Instead of learning genuine social skills or developing healthy self-esteem, they latch onto this twisted method of “proving themselves.” By harassing women, they try to bury their own insecurities and fears of rejection, hoping no one sees how unsure and fragile they really are.
Digging deeper, one often finds these men come from backgrounds lacking strong, positive female figures. Some have grown up in broken or deprived families where respect and empathy were rarely taught or shown. They end up viewing women as easy targets for their pent-up frustration. Causing distress to strangers becomes a way to mask their own pain, and the thrill of seeing a woman’s discomfort gives them a temporary, misguided sense of power. Unfortunately, this sadistic streak comes not from real strength, but from a desperate need to feel in control. Their actions expose deeper emotional wounds that remain unaddressed, causing them to harm others to avoid confronting their own failures.
