A car slows down next to you and a voice or two shout out something unintelligible, linger, waiting for a response and drive off. It’s not an uncommon occurrence, especially on fair weathered days along University Avenue. Catcalls, drive-by’s or otherwise, are hardly an effective way to “pick up” anyone nor are they a compliment.

Having some cliché and crude phrase called out to you is startling, especially when you’re walking alone. Most catcalls are innocent enough, but it still rocks your sense of security, especially if those calling go further than verbalizing.

Why do people even engage in this kind of behavior, if not for malicious intent? Has anyone ever run after that junky old Taurus, begging for a date after being whistled at by its occupant? Understandably, doing it in a joking manner to friends is acceptable, but unfortunately that is a small slice of the cake.

There have been incidents all over the country of people becoming victims of attacks from these cat-callers who didn’t receive the response they were looking for. Verbal attacks, physical or both can occur. Do they honestly expect a response declaring love at first catcall or do they believe it’s just innocent play?

One afternoon, I was walking down University. I was in my own world, when I saw a small, green car flip a U-turn in-between the medians. My initial thought was, “Oh, they’re going for that spot along the street,” and kept walking.

A guy my age, perhaps a few years older, rolled down his window and proceeded to shout out at me, “Hey! You’re sexy as (insert profanity here)!”

I just stared at him, taken aback. He responded with, “Just thought you should know!” I responded with a sarcastic thumbs-up and he drove away. I didn’t feel like America’s Next Top Model after. I just felt alone and uneasy.

This was fueled even more when I pulled up to my apartment building, he pulled up a few minutes after, coincidentally meeting a friend who lived in the same building.

Catcalling is pointless and just makes us feel uneasy. At a very young age we’re told not to converse with strangers in vehicles nor get in with them. That gut feeling is still there even once we’re in college.

If one truly needs to let another person know about their attraction, a respectful, pleasant greeting would be more effective and less awkward and creepy. It starts with one person to spread safety awareness, whether you’re the walker or the caller, respect goes a long way.