And he spent the day whistling away

Hey blog readers.

Okay, so Jenny and I wrote an article for the school newspaper. We had to edit out all the fiction because it wasn't in a journalistic style but I am going to post what my article used to look like. And keep your eyes open for our article in the school newspaper. It's called, Swine Flu: Men are Pigs. It is all about the act of whistling in our society and how it is demeaning towards women. Here is the version that will NOT be in the newspaper (note: no last names included):

Aviva:

So what do those with testosterone think about this controversial issue? Luke , a junior who has experience in the act of whistling says, “They {women} should be flattered. It’s a compliment and it’s not sexist since the situation can apply to either gender.” Kaustubh, a sophomore, has never whistled at women. When Jenny and Aviva ask him the question in the form of, “Why would anyone do it?” he answers, “Probably to make up for the fact that they {men} are not able to attract women.” Is Kaustaubh saying that perhaps males are whistling because they can’t use their wit or good looks to attract the opposite sex? He has a point.

Is the act of whistling a habit or something taught to a boy as a young child? I highly doubt that a boy’s education happens like this:

Father: “Son, I think it’s time that I teach you an important life skill. I was taught this as a young boy and you must pass it on to future generations.” Son: “Oh gee, Dad. Are you going to teach me how to fly a kite or grill meat?” Father: “Oh no, son. Not that, something much more important. In order to attract the opposite sex, we men must whistle at women as we drive past. The more they resemble prostitutes, the better.” “But dad, can’t we just talk to them like human beings, face to face?” {Stage direction: Father laughs.} “Oh no, no, son. That is not how men treat the opposite sex. We must be degrading and try to act like pigs as much as humanly possible. Men are above women in the social hierarchy. That is how it’s always been.” Son: “Oh, wow, thanks, Dad. I want to grow up to be just like you!” {Stage direction: Father demonstrates a wolf whistle and the son begins to practice. Son looks frustrated, but after the tenth attempt, belts out a loud cat call. The father pats his son on the back and they spend the day whistling away.}

Guest writers Aviva and Jenny think whistling at women is inappropriate and outdated. However, many young women at school surprisingly think it is flattering -- even complimentary -- or some of them just do not care. Liz Thompson, a junior who thinks the act of whistling is flattering, says, “I take it as a compliment. Oh I don’t know, I appreciate that they appreciate that I look good.” On the other hand, Sarah, a sophomore, does not have an opinion on the issue. She says, “I’m not embarrassed or disturbed. It’s not sexist and I don’t really care.” Perhaps teenagers in the 21st century think whistling is acceptable because they are accustomed to it, because every girl interviewed for this article had been whistled at multiple times. Perhaps we girls should rethink our attitude towards whistling if we expect to be taken seriously and treated equally in today’s society.

We highly doubt anything productive will come out of cat calling. The young men we interviewed at school said that they whistled mostly for the thrill of it or they wanted a girl’s telephone number or a smile.

However, we highly doubt that a situation like the one described below will ever happen ten years down the road at a party:

Fiancé: I have an announcement to make. Patrick and I are engaged! Guest #1: “Wow, congratulations! How did you guys meet?” Woman: “Well, it was a hot summer day. I was wearing short shorts and a tank top. Patrick was a stranger at the time. He whistled and screamed out the car window to me, “Hey, pretty lady. Can I get your number? He even made a suggestive movement with his hands; it was completely adorable. I knew that I wanted a man like that to help me raise my kids one day. I knew I needed to marry someone who treats women like pieces of chopped meat. And to think, it all started with that irresistible whistle.” {Stage direction: The happy couple kiss and the party guests whisper to each other about the wedding plans.}

Are we saying that women should retaliate if they are whistled at? No, please do not punch the guy in the face unless it is absolutely necessary. But to all men reading this article, please don’t beep or honk at women. It is demeaning, and unless you enjoy being referred to as, “pigs,” “scum,” or worse, then please just be respectful.

Hope you enjoyed that. We had a bunch of fun writing it. Perhaps I'll post Jenny's section in the future. It is also entertaining.

Off to homework land. Have a lovely week, everyone. I think I am ready for a good ol' fashion'd snow day.

You know it's a palindrome kind of world.

P.S. On Friday I am gong to see New Moon (you know that awful series about vampires and that werewolf guy with the nice arms) and then I'm going to the Opera. Yay opera club!