The hushing of women is systemic and perpetual. Such phenomena, including microaggressions and rape culture, are ways to instill fear into and manipulate women, making progression slow and challenging.

The smile represents the expectation for women always to be a pleasure to look at and is inspired by many “cat call” encounters, including men demanding women to smile more or look happier.

It is a symbol of the results of abuse, sexism, and the power of feminism. It is for women to relate to and for men to recognize.