@Nobody2u
I think we'll agree to differ. A quick toot on a horn, without winding down the winder or curb crawling might make you jump, but isn't in my book an agression. Why then do we have fashion shows and all the publicity that goes on around the perfect body, skin,and clothes sense. Women lap it up at all levels of society,and it's not just for their own benefit. Looking good makes a woman feel good, because first impressions are important, but the moment someone shows a sign of appreciation, all of a sudden half the female population feels agressed. There is a big difference between being hassled and the hoot of a car from a man/woman who then passes on his or her way. I will admit that some people find it a bit difficult to negotiate the line that separates one from the other.
You may, in your wisdom choose to feel flattered when Dave from Dynorod honks his appreciation as you're walking down the street, but please don't labour under the delusion that the rest of us are rendered breathless with gratitude that a fuckwit thinks he's paying us a compliment by blowing his horn. (No disrespect to Dynorod or Daves -- chosen purely for alliteration.)
'We' have fashion shows and 'all the publicity that goes on around the perfect body, skin and clothes sense' because there are several huge industries whose profits are based on making women feel bad about their actual bodies, and training up little girls to view adult womanhood as involving feeling bad about their actual bodies etc. The cosmetics, diet and fashion industries would crumble in the morning if women all woke up one morning thinking that, actually, they look fine as they are, and wearing the clothes they already own. That is why we have these industries, not because all women secretly hope their appearance gets a toot from Dave.
because first impressions are important
Yes, but do you really think that Dynorod Dave is hooting his appreciation of the well-fitting suit you're wearing to an interview? Or that you would regard his taste as infallible when it comes to first date wear?
but the moment someone shows a sign of appreciation, all of a sudden half the female population feels agressed
Well, you said it. Why do you think all these women should smile gratefully when what they actually feel is irritation at being harassed by some random who thinks his opinion matters, just because you think it's a lovely compliment?
Maybe ask yourself what people of either sex usually use their car horns for the HIghway Code says it should only be used to warn another motorist of danger, and that it's not intended to alarm others 'without viable or reasonable intention'. Even allowing for the fact that people do also use it to indicate irritation do you honestly think that most women view a horn suddenly sounding when they're walking along minding their own business as a lovely compliment?
Do you think Dave is likely to be silently appreciative of an older or overweight female runner he passes, or does he feel the need to let her know what he thinks of her appearance, too?