Tag: Sexual Harassment

Time magazine person of the year is “the Silence Breakers”

The choice of most significant person or event of the year is always a subjective decision.  Donald Trump is probably furious that he was not Time magazine’s final choice.

 Sparked by actress Ashley Judd and others speaking out in a New York Times exposé of producer Harvey Weinstein’s alleged history of sexual misconduct, men and women in Hollywood and Washington D.C. started speaking up, dragging the likes of Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer, Louis C.K., Senator Al Franken, Roy Moore and more into the light over alleged harassment of various levels of severity.  Companies heads not in the lime light are now also being impacted by public reaction. 

Also on the Time shortlist of finalists (though the reader’s poll included many more names):  “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Given all the possible choices no one can question their final choice.

If only this stepping forward by victims of harassment really does change behavior.

   

Men and Sex

American men have a behavior problem. It seems to be endemic. Most of us seem to believe that it is our right to feel, fondle, grope, and kiss every attractive woman whether she likes it or not. Some of us even believe we have the right to sex acts with those attractive women. We just can’t help ourselves.

Finally after years of remaining quiet about this issue, women are speaking out and making some very powerful men very uncomfortable.

From Bill Cosby to Harvey Weinstein to Judge Roy Moore to Senator Al Franken to President Donald Trump the male behavior is consistently horrifying.

Those listed above are the famous. That same behavior is committed by many others who are not in the lime light.

What is really disturbing is the way those in positions of authority try to push the actions under the rug. They even try to blame the women for their abusive behavior.

Just look at the process congressional aids must go through if they file a complaint of sexual harassment. If a congressional aide wants to file a formal complaint with the Office of Compliance (OOC) they must first engage in 30 days of counseling. After 30 days, they can choose to go into mediation with a representative of the congressional office that they are lodging a complaint against, which can last at least another 30 days. Then, the accuser must wait an additional 30 days before they can officially file a complaint and pursue a hearing either with the OOC or the Federal District Court.

Even if all of us men swear we will change, it seems unlikely that our behavior will actually change.  I admit it.  I see a pretty girl and I want to kiss her. 

Complaining about Sexual Harassment and Rape

It is one thing to be sexually harassed and significantly more horrifying to be raped.

My question is when should you file a complaint about these events?

If you are a high school or college student who has been raped by a boyfriend and you go to the police and school authorities immediately (i.e. within days) of the occurrence that is an appropriate consequence to the event. If you waited five years or some other extended period before filing a complaint, what does that decision tell you about the legitimacy of the story told to authorities?

Gretchen Carlson of Fox News

So we now come to the firing or dismissal of Gretchen Carlson from Fox News, the cable station. The 50 year old lady is a very attractive blond who was the 1989 Miss America. Blondes are a trade mark reality of Fox News.  There are a few brunettes but being an attractive blond seems to be a basic requirement. Kirsten Powers and Shannon Bream are two outstanding examples of well spoken and very attractive blonds. Ms. Carlson earned $1 million a year. So while she may have felt somewhat uncomfortable about Roger Ailes remarks or the words of other male fox News employees she has happily banked a significant fortune. Now that her contract has been terminated she suddenly remembered that she felt harassed.

Where were all the women who were “raped” by Bill Cosby? Reports of comedian Bill Cosby taking sexual liberties and more with ladies over the years is not exactly new news. In fact, 13 women have accused Cosby of rape from the 1970s into the 2000s, but keep in mind that he has now been charged for the first time in 2016.

Roger Ailes and Bill Cosby do have one thing in common. Lots of money. It will be no surprise if Ms. Carlson is paid enough money to go away.