“Smile!” How many times have you had this unwelcome demand shouted in your direction as you walk past some random dude on the street? He likely thinks he’s being charming, complimentary, or maybe even flirty. But guess what random dude, you’re not. It’s straight up catcalling, ergo gender based street harassment, and it’s what inspired comedian Rebecca Blaine Carton to create this hilarious video, which shows what women are really thinking when we’re told to… “Smile!”
“I’ve had so many men walk by me on the streets and command me to smile, as if I have been literally put on this Earth to walk by this particular man at this particular time and smile for him just to lighten up his day,” Rebecca explained in an interview with Bustle. The video, which she created in partnership with Hollaback!, the global movement to end harassment, “is an exploration for me of how many different thoughts and opinions and emotions I have surrounding this issue.” Rebecca added, “For the men who tell women to smile, I’d like to say: STOP!”
Hell yeah!
What Else You Should Know About Rebecca
Rebecca Blaine Carton is a producer, writer and actor in New York City. She wrote, produced and starred in the short indie film “Introducing Parker Dowd” with Lewis Black and currently writes, produces and acts in the web series “Living Thru The Lens”. She is a proud member of the acting troupe, Only Make Believe: a nonprofit founded by Broadway producer Dena Hammerstein, which sends actors into children’s hospitals and care facilities to perform interactive theatre. Rebecca was born and raised in Austin, TX and currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband, dog and cat. You can follow Rebecca on Twitter and subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
What Else You Should Know About Hollaback!
Hollaback! is a global movement to end harassment powered by a network of grassroots activists. They work to help others to understand harassment, ignite public conversations, and develop innovative strategies to ensure equal access to public spaces. “We envision a world where all people have the freedom to move through public space, participate in civic life, and reach their full potential.”