There are many reasons why people engage in street harassment. One reason is to reinforce existing power dynamics (such as sexism, homophobia, racism) and social norms. For example, someone who feels more powerful than another person may feel entitled to comment on and evaluate that person’s appearance or actions (“nice ass” “ugly cow” “should you really be eating that?” “you should let your hair grow out” “you have too much make-up on”). It might mean trying to make someone feel unsafe in the space you are so that they will leave and the space can “belong” to you.
In Iran recently there are men who have taken this to extreme. They are splashing women with acid (to hurt and disfigure them) if they don’t like what the women are doing or how they look (not wearing a veil).
“Over the past few weeks, at least eight women have been attacked in Isfahan, Iran, by men on motorcycles who splashed them with acid. In response, more than 2,000 Iranians in the city came out to protest yesterday, denouncing Islamic extremism and calling on the authorities to end the attacks.
The attacks came amidst debate over a new law that, according to the New York Times, is ”aimed at protecting citizens who feel compelled to correct those who, in their view, do not adhere to Iran’s strict social laws”–essentially empowering extremist vigilantes to act as the “morality police” on their fellow citizens. Like, perhaps, by blinding and disfurging women wearing “un-Islamic” dress. Indeed, protestors say that the women attacked were targeted because they were “improperly veiled.” Iranian authorities have forcefully denied that–no doubt less than eager to have the attacks linked to the country’s mandatory veiling policy.
Iran’s president has spoken out against the new law, saying, “May such a day never come that some lead our society down the path to insecurity, sow discord and cause divisions, all under the flag of Islam.” The protestors yesterday were even more clear: “Freedom and security are the rights of Iranian women.”
Bravo to everyone who is speaking out. No one should fear having acid thrown at them for simply going about their day and occupying public space.
