As a part of a new campaign, Mexico City installed train station cameras that zoom in and out of men’s butts
If you’re a person, at some point or another, you are going to have someone look at you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. Sexual harassment is a serious issue, and the sad fact is that it is an experience many women and femme-presenting people deal with on a day-to-day basis. To combat this, Mexico City has partnered with UN Women for an initiative called #NoEsDeHombres, which translates to “this isn’t manly.” Their second initiative involves cameras that have been installed in different train stations and their only job? To zoom in on men’s butts.
Remember the “penis seats?” This initiative was also because of the partnership between Mexico City and UN Women, and while cameras zooming in on butts may seem less abrasive than genitals on display on your local metro, it’s still a pretty bold move for the city.
The intention of the cameras is to make men feel the sort of objectification that women feel every single day. Uncomfortable? Undoubtedly. But it definitely gets the point across. And according to the Mexican government, 65% of women have reported groping or uncomfortable touching in the cities buses or trains. But thanks to this initiative, it seems like a statement and stand are finally being made from the country on behalf of its people. And while it makes some people uncomfortable, this is likely by design. We’ll just be waiting patiently for the campaign’s next incarnation.
