Read the background story from PSA creator Kara Lieff:
‘Asking For It’ was made for those who believe that there is a definitive connection between a woman’s clothing choice and her sexual availability. Many people think that women who dress a certain way are asking to be, or wouldn’t mind being, bothered, but this satirical take on street harassment shows that what a women really wants does not coincide with her attire.
This video was created for a class, and the assignment was to make a video that would get viewers to accomplish a certain action. I knew that I wanted my video to be a conversation starter – for my viewers to discuss street harassment, their experiences, why it happens, who is to blame, and what can be done to combat this problem. By featuring college-aged adults, I especially hope to reach out to my peers early on.
My sister Megan not only helped me develop this project, but over the years she has been a huge influence in my life, helping to develop my ideas about women’s rights, safety, and representation. Through her, I have learned that we need to focus on the source of the problem, not placing blame on the victim.
Just the other night while waiting for a few friends outside, two men decided that because I was wearing a short dress and tights, it would be appropriate to call out to me. As, unfortunately, I’m sure many of you reading this know, it’s not a good feeling when you walk down the street from where you live and are made uncomfortable for simply being there. Street harassment is a huge problem, and any method used – whether it be talking back, writing, art, or videos – to fight back is a step in the right direction.
Kara Lieff is a sophomore studying Film & Media Arts and Women’s Studies at Temple University. She loves to bicycle around Philadelphia, cook with friends, and watch TV and movies, while (somewhat successfully) making enough time for schoolwork, her job, and clubs. She hopes to one day have a career dedicated to creating and maintaining positive messages and visibility for women in media.
Anna says
That’s funny…I was dressed in sweaty sweats, tangled messy hair in a ponytail, and ugly old slides (not much difference between me and a street bum)….some older guy (standing near his kid) on line at the Rite Aid started whistling (light whistling…almost could be construed like he was whistling a tune, but turning his head in my direction)…luckily I was wearing shades…otherwise I would have zapped him with a deadly laser glare….Just unbelievable! (It’s not about us women/girls…it’s about the harasser just needing someone to harass or to put down a female because he assumes she must be a streetwalker (even if she is actually a local resident, taxpayer, voter, mother, and doctor)…..Thanks for the video!