I have posted several articles written by others, which
highlight sexual harassment accusations made against powerful people across
many industries, including Banking and Finance, Entertainment, Politics, Media
and other industries too numerous to mention.
For those who don’t know what constitutes sexual
harassment, here is an abridged definition: Harassment (typically of a woman)
in a workplace, or other professional or social situation, involving the making
of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks.
That pretty much nails it down for all to understand. But
there is a caveat, which also must be considered and it is that it is not
limited to denigrating women. Men have been known to be harassed, as well. But,
this a rarity.
Just because someone is in a powerful position, or even
one who is a perfunctory supervisor, does not give license for that person to
make advances to those who they control. Yes, we have heard all there is to
hear about Harvey Weinstein and Bill O’Reilly and Mike Cagney and their exploits.
Just this week, we heard that Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman and even former
President George HW Bush were accused of this crime of violating personal space
of other women and men.
Even someone who has aided and abetted the perpetrator in
his or her crimes is as guilty as the perpetrator. Worse probably.
Millions, and maybe billions, of dollars have been paid
to silence the victims, provided they sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s)
while accepting the payment of hush money. By doing so, they allowed the same
perpetrators to commit the same crime again against other unsuspecting victims
freely and without controls.
But, others also decided to keep silent, without this
settlement bonus so that their careers would not be impacted. This includes
Ashley Judd, Megan Kelly and others. They are as guilty of allowing the perp to
go after other victims unrestrained for fear THEIR careers would be shattered,
as much as those who took the money.
There have been times when someone may have told a joke
or showed a cartoon which would be humorous or outright hysterical in a
nightclub or in your living room. But, it is totally inappropriate in a place
of business. And just so there is no misunderstanding of the definition of
business, here are two pretty definite examples of “business”:
1. person's
regular occupation, profession, or trade and,
2. the practice
of making one's living by engaging in commerce.
The problem now, as I see it, is this: Because of all the
actual offensive acts, comments, etc., that have been reported lately, will an
actual touch of tenderness and friendship on someone’s arm or shoulder, or a
caring hug to comfort someone now be taken as “sexual harassment”? I surely
hope not. I would hope we could make the distinction between wanton aggressive
behavior and an act of humanity.
Here are some final words to all people in those powerful
positions you worked so hard to achieve: If you wouldn’t want someone to touch
your son or daughter inappropriately, or say something that you know is lewd
and disgusting, remember that other parents would not want you to grope or
create fear in theirs. If you think you are above scrutiny, karma always has a
funny way to make sure it all comes out even. It isn’t the money, folks; it is
your reputation, which is the ONLY thing you truly control in this life.
Don’t blow it. The better part of valor is to keep your
lewd words and groping hands to yourself. And then, your reputation will
definitely be secure.
This was originally posted in my personal blog on November 2, 2017. FM
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