Letters: Readers discuss catcalling, Trump, and Black Friday
Catcalls hurt
Mama. Baby. Sweetie. Boo. Cheeks.
These are only a few names that women know far too well. If you’ve ever been catcalled, how did you feel?
If you’re a man, have you ever called names or whistled at women? If so, what happened?
Harassment has become a huge issue in today’s society. Women of all ages are becoming more fearful of going outside, especially at night. According to Stop Street Harassment, more than 99 percent of females questioned reported they had been targets of some form of sexual harassment.
According to Elle, 87 percent of women have been catcalled or sexually harassed before the age of 17. If that doesn’t prove how severe this problem is, what will?
This objectification is causing young girls to grow up being afraid of their bodies and especially afraid of men on the street.
Harassment has got to be one of the most prevalent issues in today’s society. Ask the women close to you if they’ve ever been harassed. Most of the time, the answer will be yes.
Can you imagine a grown man whistling at your little sister? Well, it’s happening.
Samantha Robinson
Overland Park
Not reassured
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” wrote Evelyn Beatrice Hall to describe Voltaire’s view on freedom of speech.
When cast members of “Hamilton” shared their concerns to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, a reassuring response from the Trump administration could have gone far to ease many of our fears.
Knowing our president-elect cannot tolerate criticism of himself or his administration effectively shuts down dialogue.
As a citizen concerned about climate change, am I going to be allowed under a Trump presidency to criticize this administration? Will women, minorities, LGBTQ people and immigrants be allowed to question policies or the language and tone used about them?
I fear this president not only for the future he envisions, but also for his desire to silence criticism and to retaliate against anyone who makes him look bad.
We have the right in this country to question our leaders, and something is very wrong when we are told we are rude or unpatriotic for doing so.
Christine Caseres
Olathe
Just you wait
As a conservative, I have enjoyed reading, listening and watching liberals agonize over the election of Donald Trump.
What did you expect after eight years of President Barack Obama? Although he spellbound the country with his eloquence and charm when elected in 2008, Republicans have gained state and national power in every election since.
His radical views and actions polarized our nation. Down-home blue-collar folks were tired of the left insisting we must change to their worldview of multiculturalism, a borderless world and tolerance for those who hate us. The Trump revolution proved our nation was not willing to have another four years of Obama’s policies.
I am amused as the left cries, “The sky is falling,” and continues to bemoan and complain about what happened on Nov. 8 while the rest of us celebrate the biggest political upset in our nation’s history.
I am proud to have been part of it. Get ready for four years of common-sense, productive and effective federal government.
Ralph McFillen
Overland Park
Store choice
I received the Thanksgiving Day Kansas City Star, which weighed about 7 pounds. I went through the ads and found many sales I was interested in.
However, I decided where to buy on the basis of times stores opened. If it opened on Thanksgiving Day, it was eliminated. In all cases I found a competitive store that did not open on Thanksgiving and will shop there.
Proprietors should be aware that this is a growing trend.
David G. McIntyre
Leawood
This story was originally published November 26, 2016 at 8:47 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss catcalling, Trump, and Black Friday."