Walking Home

Tags: bodies, gender, inequality, prejudice/discrimination, sex/sexuality, street harassment; violence against women (VAW), 00 to 05 mins
Year: 2009
Length: 4:01
Access: YouTube

Summary: As stated by the producers of this video (Third World Newsreel), "this is an experimental piece about women ritually facing street harassment as they walk home. Shot in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, it mixes 16mm film, video, poetry and music in an effort to honor and reclaim our voice, name and humanity in the public sphere. This is for the walkers, talkers and those who say nothing." Through the poetry and narrative, several women discuss the experience of street harassment and being objectified, and the frequent insults that women face when not responding to men's sexual comments in public spaces, but also acknowledges and honors the victims of this harassment for reclaiming their voice. This powerful depiction of women experiencing street harassment can be an excellent way to discuss issues of gender and sexuality, and gender inequality in everyday life. Students can be encouraged to reflect upon the range of possible emotions the narrator goes through and how repeated experiences like this can shape everyday behavior. How often do students experience this on college campuses or elsewhere? Could we imagine a situation where the roles are reversed, and what does this tell us about gender relations in society? What is the meaning behind street harassment? Is it really about sex or perhaps about power and control?

Submitted By: Anonymous

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