‘Someone you know talks like this’: This video about everyday sexism is way too real

Someone you know talks like this.

"She's such a cocktease." "We're just playing a game with you." "Don't be like that." "It's just a joke." "Don't walk down that street alone." "She's got such an attitude problem." "What a frigid bitch." How many times have we heard the above uttered about ourselves, or somebody else? These phrases have become so commonplace, they almost feel normalised or expected - even though they shouldn't be. Cork based production company Deep Red have created a video detailing the sexist and often hurtful phrases that still tend to creep into the vocabulary of many people. It features a poem called 'Someone You Know' that includes a painfully accurate depiction of the things that are often said to, and about, women. https://vimeo.com/239665319 The text of the poem reads:

"Make sure you text me when you get home You shouldn't walk down that street alone

Always remember the cab drivers name Ah come on, we're just playing a game Look I'm not being a sleaze Oh that fucking cocktease

I like ya, I'm just being upfront Oh must be that time of the month You have an attitude, I think you should fix it Oh wouldn't try it man, she's so fucking frigid

Begging for it, she was gagging Shame now they're sagging You think she's still a virgin A lady should never be caught cursing

Ah go on, give us a kiss Who does she think she is? Can you give us a smile I say hello and she runs a mile

Bet she's a demon in the sheets You don't wear that walking the streets I pay her a compliment and now she's cross I could make things very difficult for you I am your boss

Oh here comes a third wave feminist She wouldn't make my top 5 list."

Deep Red's video also features testimonies from real women about their own experiences of sexism, harassment, and catcalling. They say that they have been followed, called names, threatened, lured away, touched inappropriately, and assaulted. Their testimonies are frank, but they are not unique. You'd have a hard time finding a woman or girl in Ireland who hasn't experienced at least one of the above. Because people do still talk like this, even the people you know.