War Zone

http://www.mediaed.org

What does it feel like to be a woman on the street in a cultural environment that does nothing to discourage men from heckling, following, touching or disparaging women in public spaces?

Filmmaker Maggie Hadleigh-West believes that the streets are a War Zone for women. Armed with only a video-camera, she both demonstrates this experience and, by turning and confronting her abusers, reclaims space that was stolen from her.

War Zone is an excellent discussion starter for both men and women. It gives voice and expression to a disturbing daily aspect of being a woman in this society. It also gives men a direct personal feeling for what harassing behavior looks and feels like to a woman. Young men who may think such behavior is cool or funny will be forced to rethink their assumptions.

War Zone is a classroom, documentary edition of Maggie Hadleigh-West's first film by the same title. Her film has been screened and applauded at scores of festivals in the U.S. and abroad. She has appeared to discuss the film on the Today Show, CBS News, 20/20, BBC, NPR, CNN, and Eye to Eye with Connie Chung.

• Category

  News & Politics

[xxWine]

Perhaps perspective can be gained if you think of it not from just a woman's prospective but a woman you're close with.

Like a sister, aunt, mother.

If they were harassed, objectified, degraded and humiliated in public, would you tell them that they should have "considered it a complement"?

I am not sure if that helps you understand a bit more, but it's not always intended to be a simple compliment. There a many men who want more.

[foxcub156]

It's because some men think if a girl is wearing 'revealing' clothing, they want sex. There's nothing wrong with a women's attire, it's the lack of self-control and maturity that some men have that leads to the immature cat-calling and sometimes, unfortunately, rape. Don't be so ignorant by saying ALL women love having guys staring at them and calling them out when they're trying to get through their day. It's not like she stopped and questioned every guy she passed. Only the pervs.

[sadhukar]

Excuse me, but is there something wrong with LOOKING? We can't LOOK at you now? Looking is a form of "aggression"? Saying "You look beautiful" is a form of aggression? WTF is wrong with you people? You PC people should all be lined up and shot, so we have less idiots in the world.

[Jolanda Sterbloem]

intimidation

[Jolanda Sterbloem]

its pure agression,to feel yourself bigger

[Ricardo Carvalho]

It is complicated. Mainly because when people brings out videos, discussions etc, like this one, they show a extreme point of view of the facts to shock and make people question. This is ok. However, somethings like "Wow" are not agressive in my humble opinion. I see some women doing that too, and also know some girl who like this kind of "complement". The problem is when someone disrespect another. And there is only a very thin line to separate a Complement from a disrespectful action. Careful!

[slithygogs]

I am glad that your wife has found a way to control this. However, in my experience, it does not matter if you're dressed like a "whore" or not. I dress very modestly every day, and still receive cat calls and stares multiple times a day. I really do not believe it is that simple.

[UniCat IsWill]

Tip for women: don't dress like whores and the creeps that you inevitably come across won't look at you like a whore. My wife doesn't show her thighs, ass or chest because she knows that men will stare in public. If you want men to stare at you then go out in public revealing your body. If you don't, then don't reveal your body. It's simple, really.

[CreeepitReal]

Oh my god this is fucking great.

[PresidentMercury]

I find it funny when people say she is dressed provocatively when she is wearing somewhat typical workout clothes. Her chest is covered, her legs are covered down to her calves, she is wearing flats (or are they clogs?), and her behind is even covered with a skirt or jacket tied around her waist. So...I guess provocative is showing arms and ankles now?

For a laugh, turn on captions, lol.