Menstuff® has compiled information, books and resources on the issue of sexual harassment.
1:56Sexual Harassment
What Sexual Harassment is
What Sexual Harassment
Isn't
Is This Sexual Harassment?
Is This Sexual Harassment? - 2
Getting Physical: The Rules of
Workplace Touching
We're
Teaching Consent All Wrong
What we Don't want to Look
at
Workplace Sexual Harassment Toward Men Is on
the Rise
Teen Sexual
Harassment
Assault
at the role of men. YouTube 1:39
These Are The States Where
Students Get Harassed The Most For Their Sexual
Orientation
13 Perfect Responses To Street
Harassment
Lady Gaga's powerful new video shows the
reality of campus sexual assault
Rush Limbaugh Advises Men How to Sexually
Harass Women
Don’t believe women are endlessly
harassed?
Touch Points
Newsbytes
Issues - Related on Abuse -
Ritual, Abuse - Sexual, Circumcision,
Violence, Domestic
Violence, Womens' Violence and
Prisons.
Books
Books - Related Topics on Abuse
- Boys, Abuse -
Children, Abuse -
Ritual, Abuse -
Sexual, Circumcision,
Anger,
Violence,
Domestic
Violence, Sexual
Violence, and Womens'
Violence,
In all of the press I have read since the hearings, I have yet to see one article that let's me, as a man, know what sexual harassment is. And I truly believe that most men would not sexually harass a woman if they realized they were doing it. And, when told that what they were doing was being received as sexual harassment, would stop. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find much information on sexual harassment out of the workplace, so apply workplace laws, to be safe.
I started with a book, published in 1981, called Sexual Harassment on the Job, How to avoid the working woman's nightmare by Contance Backhouse & Leah Cohen and went through Friedman, Boumil, Taylor's Sexual Harassment, published in 1992. (See bibliography.) Also, check with your company, which has its own guidelines or contact the District Equal Employment Commission - there's one in every state - for the Federal guidelines.) Here's what I learned. Use these, not as law, but as guidelines, since it varies by city and the judges personal bias, as was clear in the Senate hearings.
What Sexual Harassment is: Simply stated, "Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature."
This is typically experienced in the context of a relationship of power or authority. The victims are subjected to verbal comments of a sexual nature, unconsented touching, and requests for sexual favors. The perpetrator is in a superior position at work and is able to threaten the victims' job. a promotion or some employment benefit. A single incident is usually not enough to "make a case* unless it is a violent one, but repeated acts may be. Even the usual male/female pursuit may cross the boundary to reach the level of harassment. The alleged victim must indicate displeasure in definite terms and if the perpetrator continues, that constitutes sexual harassment.
What Sexual Harassment Isn't: It's not flirtatiousness, hormones or sexual desire" says Working Woman magazine. 'Most harassers share a common goal - intimidation."
However, the legal standard constituting sexual harassment is in a state of flux. The courts, faced with this issue, are beginning to give greater attention to the alleged victim's point-of-view. It's clear, however. that a single incident of sexual advance or even a request for a sexual favor is not harassment unless it is backed by a work-related threat. I revert to terms in baseball. If I get three strikes, I'm out. If she is interested, then it's up to her to make the next, "clear pitch". Otherwise, the game is over.
What are you willing to do about the part you play in sexual harassment to (1) Insure that you never sexually harass another person, under any circumstance? (2) Intervene when you see colleagues participating in sexual harassment? and (3) Intervene when you see sexual harassment happening out in the world?
Before I go on I want you to know that I believe that (1) by far the majority of sexual harassment is done by men towards working women (50-67%). And I really want you to know that we. as men, must clean up our part of this whole thing. (2) 1 also believe that sexual harassment does happen to working men (15-30%) and that laws and guidelines are often written and languaged as if sexual harassment is only a male to female thing. And, the legal system and services just aren't available for victims who are male.
Three areas where male victims aren't treated equally are statutory rape, sexual harassment and spousal abuse. In some states there are laws that say sex between minors and men over 18 is statutory rape but between minors and women over 18, isn't. Regarding Sexual Harassment, the language makes it appear strictly a man to woman thing. A good example is the handout being advertised on ABC-TV that's available at every library in the U.S., called "Stop Sexual Harassment". The real danger in this document is the languaging. The only acknowledgment that it happens to men is in the second paragraph which states "Studies show that as many as one-half to two-thirds of all working women and some working men have experienced sexual harassment." However, from there on, ALL examples are "guy", "men", "his advances, "he knows she", etc. And further, under resources it clearly states, "This resource list is provided for women who are victims of sexual harassment" and it lives up to that statement, on both a local and national level. Not one example or resource for a man. (Of course, the NOW Legal Defense & Education Fund contributed in the development of the materials, so that may explain the sexist assumption.) Even spousal abuse carries the implication that men are not the recipient of spousal abuse, contrary to most research on the subject. However, even when state and local agencies work to be inclusive, the old thinking slips in as a man to woman thing. An example is form CP-536 Jan 90, published by the Concord California Police Department entitled "Resource Information for Victims of Domestic Violence". While attempting to not be sex specific, it only offers resources for women, i.e., "E. Pressing Charges/Victim Assistance - call Battered Women's Alternatives. F. Suing the Offender - call a lawyer or Battered Women's Alternatives. Shelter and Crisis Counseling: If you need a place to stay or advice." 10 women's shelters, four care centers, one nursery. "Counseling for Offenders:" 5 men's abuser services, nothing for women. "How Much Does It Cost? Battered Women's Alternatives offers clinics to women in filling out application for Temporary Restraining Order", nothing for men. And most telling, "What Do I Do If The Defendant Violates the Restraining Order? Point 3. If the defendant is still there when the police arrive, and he is aware of the restraining order, the police may arrest him/her..."(See "Alternatives to Violence" which includes some resources for women perpetrators and male victims as well as the standard fare.)
It's in the collective psyche that only men abuse. Our collective denial says that women aren't violent or when they are violent, there's an excuse but when men are violent, there's no excuse. Regardless of the sex, there's no excuse!
The reason, however, that subjects like sexual harassment, spousal abuse, incest and rape are coming out and being addressed is primarily because some courageous women are standing up to make it public and then fighting and organizing and providing services to help those affected. The Women's Shelter-movement happened because individual women got together and did something about it. Then , year's later, "some" aid was provided.
As long as men stay in the closet about being incested or molested or physically or psychologically abuse as a child, being battered in a relationship, or being sexually harassed on the job, it's going to continue to be seen as - only men abuse and only women can get help. And, when men do come out about it we need to make the support services available without expecting city, state or federal aid to do it. In essence, we need to prove that there is a need and take care of it on our own.
And we all must come to understand that our entire culture is becoming a very violent culture (witness the recent Life Time special, "Jennifer's in Jail" which spent an hour profiling teen-age girl violence - including knifings, shootings, etc.) Think twice about having your son circumcised. Think again about how appropriate that war toy is. Think again about buying that high powered water gun or the camouflage jeans for the little tyke. Think about how you handle your child's pent-up anger. "What anger" you say? While the rebels definitely cause alot of problems, know that the quiet ones are the ones that killed the 14 women in Montreal or shoot the kids in McDonalds. Anger stuffed destroys.
Our collective denial has left us with a world where schools and
the penal system don't know how to deal with violent boys much less
the incredible influx of violent girls. Denial can no longer be
tolerated. The violence must stop! What can you do? Think about it! -
Gordon Clay
Is that pat on the back from the boss a sign of appreciation or a sign of inappropriateness? The possibility of sexual harassment in the workplace is often on the mind of both male and female employees, but sometimes it can be frustrating to figure out the difference between when your mind is playing tricks on you and when to put a stop to things.
Here are a few examples of possible sexual harassment scenarios that are commonly encountered in the workplace. Whether you already think your understanding is there or you're worried that you're totally unaware, take this quiz and see how your sexual harassment knowledge scores.
Q. You're the receptionist in a small consulting firm. Whever you call one of the consultants to relay a message, she always ends the call by saying, "Thanks Sexy." Is this sexual harassment?
A. Yes. Sexual harassment can be described as any gesture, conduct, comment or phusical contact that is unwanted and of a sexual nature. This includes nicknames.
Q. You coworker of the other sex will not stop talking about their romantic relationship, constantly sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of every conversation and fight they have. Is this sexual harassment?
A. No. While this is annoying, unless they're graphically explaining their sex life or referring to you, it';s not sexual harassment.
Q. Whenever you greet your coworkers with a handshake, one of them always pushes your hand aside and leans in for a tight hug, in spirt of your obvious discomfort and that of your coworkers. Is this sexual harassment?
A. Yes. Sexual harassment can be described as any gesture, conduct, comment or physical contaact that is unwanted and of a sexual nature. This includes hugging.
Q. Every time a project is successfully completed, your boss sends you an email thanking you and jokingly suggesting you take her up on her generous offer of a private dinner or massage as a rewardd for all of your hard work. Is this sexual harassment?
A. Yes. While sexual harassment often involves blatantly lewd comments and obvious inappropriate toughing, there are also more subtle forms that both genders can experience.
Q. Your gender is in the minority and you feel as though you're given more assignments, worked hareder, and held more accountable than other employees and are not being appropriately promoted or rewarded justly. Is this sexual harassment?
A. No. While you might be experiencing discrimination because of your gender or just being given a hard time for an unknown reason, this is not sexual harassment.
Q. Your coworker has a screensaver covered in dirty jokes that makes you uncomfortable whenever you go into their office and have to come around to their side of the desk. Is this sexual harassment?
A. No. Unless your coworker specifically invites you to come around their desk and/or makes an effort to get you to notice their screensaver, this is not sexual harassment.
Q. The mailroom clerk is constantly begging you to find a friend for them to date, saying that they know that anyone you'd associate with would be a classy person. Is this sexual harassment?
A. No. If they're not referencing your gender or sexuality but only your personality and intelligence, though it may be embarrasing or \uncomfortable, this is not sexual harassment.
Q. When passing a fellow worker's desk, they say to you, "If you'd just fix yourself up a bit and get some better cloes, I'd totally date you." Is this sexual harassment?
A. Yes. Sexual harassment can be described as any gesture, conduct, comment or phsiesal contact that is unwanted and of a sexual nature. This includes blatant disrespect and hypothetical situations poisted to you by others.
Q. In coed group meetings, the team leader often refers to defeats and sucecess in sexual terms, like "We're going to make them scream like a porn star:" or "We blew that opportunity harder than Monica Lewinsky." Is this sexual harassment?
A. Yes. Sexual harassment can be described as any gesture, conduct, comment or physical contacat that is unwanted and of a sexual nature. This includes offensive statements made in a motivational or explanatory context.
Q. Knowing that you are gay, your straight boss of the same sex frequenyly asks you whether or not you find them attractice and if you want to have sex with them. Is this sexual harassment?
A. Yes. Sexual harassment can be described as any gesture,
conduct, comment or physical contact that is unwanted and of a sexual
nature. This includes derogatory or disrespectful remarks regarding
your sexual orientation.
Source: by N. Bhatta, jobs.aol.com/quiz/sexual_harassment
Immediately React
Never ignore sexual harassment when it happens to you. If you don’t let the harasser know that you are displeased by what they said, they will continue to make the lives of other workers miserable with their behavior. Also be sure to carefully document the encounter in an email or on paper so that you have a clear recollection of the experience that can’t be watered down with time.
Follow Company Directions
Before pressing forward with a company complaint, make sure that you know the proper channels to go through. Jump through every hoop and cross every ‘T’ to ensure that your complaint gets the attention and treatment it deserves.
Encourage Other Victims
If you’re incensed by someone’s behavior enough to fight back, chances are you aren’t the only one in the office to have a bad experience. There’s always strength in numbers, so carefully and privately ask others if they, too, have been harassed to help them fight back, too.
A harassment-free workplace is a happy workplace, and though the
process of acknowledging and punishing sexual harassment may be
stressful, removing the harasser as soon as possible is better for
everyone in the long run. So what are you waiting for? Stop sexual
harassment today!
Source: jobs.aol.com/article/_a/is-this-sexual-harassment/20080619091309990001
Workplace Sexual
Harassment Toward Men Is on the Rise
“I always thought this kind of stuff only happened to women with male bosses,” Brian complained, years later. “But being the only guy in the office, I was the target of a lot of rude comments about my appearance -- both good and bad -- and the fact that I was a male secretary was joked about incessantly.”
After being subjected to a lengthy bosses’ lecture on how he was ‘too cute’ to wear the boring clothes he wore and how he should ‘spruce up’ to ‘give the girls some eye candy,’ Brian quit. However, he didn’t mention the offenses to the higher-ups at the company or at his temping agency. “I wanted to tell someone, but every time I tried to explain I just felt so stupid, so emasculated. I felt better just sweeping it all underneath the rug.”
Test Yourself: Can you tell if it's sexual harassment?
Studies show that for the first time in four years, harassment in the workplace from both male and female bosses and co-workers is on the rise. Tragically, stories like Brian’s are not uncommon (the vast majority of all sexual harassment complaints go unreported) but as more and more men realize that they are not the only ones dealing with an unprofessional work environment, men are starting to briskly fight against unfair treatment from female superiors. In 2007, a record number of cases -- nearly 16 percent -- were filed by men, a number that has practically doubled in a mere decade. And these are just the documented incidents.
A recent telephone survey found that up to 20% of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, but a whopping 62% took no action. This hesitation to complain stems from a variety of reasons, with the fear of losing one’s job being just one of them. Concepts of masculinity prevent many male workers from reaching out for help against a harasser, as it can be perceived as emasculating to admit that belittling from a female affects them. As attention from women is coveted amongst heterosexual men, male harassment victims might be afraid to admit to receiving too much or the wrong type of attention because this acknowledgment might call the victim’s sexuality into question.
We’ve all snickered at how Steve Carrell’s regional manager character on The Office demeans Ryan the temp in a pseudo-sexual way, but the rising levels of harassment in the real world is no laughing matter. While many male harassment complaints are against other men, as more women take on executive and leadership roles that were previously held solely by men, it is understandable that complaints against these ‘corporate cougars’ (women in powerful professional positions) might potentially rise. But is it acceptable that the numbers have risen by so much, and in this short amount of time?
It’s safe to say that in today’s workplace, employees of all genders need to keep their guard up about protecting their personal space and respect. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable and to be treated professionally on their job. Whether you’re male or female, take this quiz to test your sexual harassment awareness and to learn more about what to do if sexual harassment happens to you. Remember, you are not alone!
*Name has been changed to protect the innocent.
What we Don't want to Look at
re: Sexual Harassment
Getting Physical: The Rules of
Workplace Touching
Touch Points
With President Bush's bizarre "massage" of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the recent G8 Summit, it might be a good time to review what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate touching at work. The rules may seem obvious, but if the president can get it wrong at a meeting of the world's most powerful leaders, chances are your co-workers are slipping up too.
Further confusing the issue are the mixed messages found in sexual harassment data. The number of harassment charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has declined 20% from when they peaked in 1997.
No studies accurately explain the decline, says David Grinberg, an EEOC spokesman. But he credits companies with increasing awareness of the issue and an increase in the number of women managers. Still, sexual harassment is a "serious problem in today's workplace," according to Grinberg who notes that the number of employees who have been fired or demoted as a result of filing a harassment complaint has doubled since 1992.
So how do you avoid awkward and actionable touching? The first--and most important--rule to remember is that beyond the handshake there are only three locations on the body where skin-to-skin contact is acceptable among co-workers: the forearm, the wrist and the upper back. The only exception is if you're on a professional baseball team and hit a home run. If you accomplish that, your teammates are not only allowed, they're virtually required to smack you on the tush. That also applies if you're on an NFL team and have just scored the game-winning touchdown.
But not everyone works in a contact sport. In nearly all other arenas, touching should be kept to a minimum, says Jill Bremer, an image etiquette and communication skills instructor with Bremer Communications. "Longer than a couple of seconds and it can become sexual," says Bremer. "[It makes the receiver wonder], what is this person trying to tell me?"
From the look on Merkel's face, she didn't like what Bush's hands told her. Gail Houck, a business consultant with Select, Assess and Train is even stricter. "Don't go below the elbow and stay on the upper arm and nowhere else."
If you are particularly happy with an employee's work or want to offer congratulations, feel free to give the office version of a hug: the two-handed hand shake. That's when you shake the person's hand and put your other hand on their forearm. "I don't think male or female colleagues should ever kiss unless it's someone who has known them forever and even then, they're probably taking a chance," says Houck.
Boundaries aren't getting much help from casual Fridays. "Since we've gotten very casual in dress we've gotten very casual in our behavior," says Bremer. "We're on a first name basis with everybody. We can assume we can touch anybody. I long for the days when there was more formality...There need to be boundaries."
Of course, boundaries and political correctness differ from culture to culture. A post on Arianna Huffington's blog says the media attention on the Bush-Merkel incident is hooey. After all, Bush is a Texan and they are a touchy-feely people. "Texans hug one another, kiss one another, place their hands on other's shoulders, and give hand squeezes all the time. You libs are always talking about understanding the culture of others and it's time for you to start understanding Texas culture. We're not cold and frigid like you Yankees are. "
Actually, the physical frigidity level of a culture should be taken into account. Northern Europeans--that includes Germany--are considered "low contact" cultures, says Bremer. So are many Asians. Remember, many don't even shake hands, they bow when greeting someone. Contrast that with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures that are extremely close talkers and regularly touch people.
When you take that into consideration, Bush may have a more
receptive massage recipient in Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Source: jobs.aol.com/article/_a/touch-points/20060803163409990001
Don’t believe women are endlessly harassed? Watch this
1:56It’s a little surprising someone didn’t think of this before.
But here it is: hard evidence, irrefutable proof, upwards of 100 undeniable examples revealing just what kinds of casual, routine harassment await any young, “normal” American woman strolling around the city by herself, in a single day.
Do you think you already know? Think you have a clue what it’s like? Let me just suggest this to you right now: You have no idea.
I’m talking to the guys, of course (women are already nodding). No matter your feminist quotient – and I like to think mine’s pretty high – men simply have no way of knowing what it’s like to endure the endless stream of leers, catcalls, insults, profanities, groping, stalking, public masturbation, sexual innuendos, unsolicited offers and smarmy “compliments” coming at the typical young female from all manner of bros, dudes and street-corner douchebags as she attempts to walk from point A to point B.
Why don’t we see it? Because when a man walks around with a woman, he acts as a sort of douchebag repellant, fending off the bulk of the lurches, whistles and dumb, macho grunts. Hence, we can’t ever fully know what a woman experiences in the average solo urban stroll.
Until now. Here is a video all men should watch. It was made by Rob Bliss Creative for Hollaback!, an anti-harassment group.
The idea is simple enough: Install a videocamera into a backpack, strap it to the director’s shoulders as he walks a few paces ahead of actress Shoshana B. Roberts for about 10 hours in a single day in NYC.
Roberts is dressed plainly enough, in jeans and a crew-neck T-shirt. She’s carrying a microphone in each hand. They simply walk around and record what happens.
All told, they caught upwards of 100 examples of harassment in 10 short hours, ranging from smarmy, offhand “compliments” to full-blown leers, not to mention accusations, entitlements, pleas for attention running from creepy to gross to downright dangerous, not a single one of them free of the sense that this is merely normal guy behavior, that the male has some sort of obvious right to say, do, act however he wants. Because there’s nothing she can do about it. Because he’s stronger and dominant and could kill her if he wanted to. Because America, bitch.
(Side note to all dudebros, right now irritated about this video
and itching to argue that not all douchebag behavior constitutes
harassment: If you think hurling some smarmy, unsolicited comment at
a women as she walks to work isn’t more than obnoxious,
you’re not paying enough attention. What’s more,
you’re conveniently ignoring the tone, the expectation of reply,
the not-at-all subtle sexual charge – not to mention the gross
cumulative effect. You don’t get it, because it doesn’t
happen to you. No male would dare stalk or harass someone stronger or
more potentially dangerous than them. Put yet another way: Those
aren’t compliments. They’re proof of ownership.
Source: blog.sfgate.com/morford/2014/10/29/women-are-endlessly-harassed/?cmpid=NLmorford
The Office Hug
Never hug or kiss a co-worker to congratulate them. To express appreciation or kudos give the "office hug." That's when you shake with one hand and put your other hand on the recipient's forearm.
A Light, Fast Touch
When engaging in skin-to-skin contact, remember to keep it light and fast. Anything more than that can result in the recipient wondering what your intentions are.
Take into consideration different cultures when meeting with a colleague from another country. Certain cultures feel more comfortable touching while others prefer more room for personal space.
Personal Space
In the U.S., adequate personal space is generally considered arm's length. If you can reach your arm out and touch someone, you're too close. Take a step back!.
Stick To Handshakes
Generally, northern and western European countries are considered low contact cultures. If you're going to congratulate someone who hails from those places, a hearty handshake will do just fine.
Bowing Works Too
Asian cultures are low contact too. Typically members of those cultures don't shake hands, they bow when greeting someone. "Your bubble of space is quite large," says Jill Bremer, an image and etiquette teacher. Also, the lower the bow, the more respect and familiarity you're showing. When greeting someone with a bow that you haven't developed a relationship with, a small bow is appropriate.
Signal When You Need Space
Mediterranean cultures tend to feel comfortable with limited bubbles of personal space. If you're interacting on a business level and feel crowded, Bremer suggests taking a step back or actually putting your hand up to signal that you need more personal space.
Source: In Pictures: Appropriate
Workplace Touching
Think catcalls are compliments? A music
video flips the script to show why that's not the case.
By age 17, 85% of U.S. women are likely to have experienced some form of street harassment.
This is just one of several disturbing findings in Cornell
University's 2014
Hollaback International Street Harassment Survey Project study.
Others include that 11.6% of respondents report their first encounter
with harassment happening before age 11, and the fact that 77% of
U.S. women under age 40 reported having been "followed by a man or
group of men in a way that made them feel unsafe during the past
year." Wow.
But one of the saddest (and most common) pieces of advice given to
women? "It's just a compliment." (Seriously.
Look at some of the comments from men featured in one of our past
articles.)
In a new music video, Jamie Kilstein flips the street harassment script, imagining a world where men are "complimented."
"I think guys legit think, 'Well, I would like being called handsome or whatever,' so what's wrong with that?" he tells me via e-mail. "But the reality is the men who say those things don't realize that it's not just one guy who says, 'Sorry to bother you, but you're really pretty.' That might be one of eight dudes who go up to that one woman in one day. And they all don't sound like that. Most don't."
"So he takes a deep breath, and suddenly he hears her..." GIFs from Jamie Kilstein.
It'd be great if we lived in a world where people could just compliment strangers. But we don't, and it's complicated.
"In a perfect world we would live and respect each other, and every once in a while you might be struck by such beauty that you have to approach this stranger, tell them how awestruck you are, fall in love, and have 2.5 kids."
That does sound like a pretty awesome world. But reality is more like...
"I have friends who have been spit on for not saying 'hi,' who have been followed, who have been threatened. OH FUN! I'm sure guys want that. Live in constant terror? SEXY!"
"Maybe show a little skin? Show what the good Lord gave you."
And sometimes "compliments" turn deadly. Sadly there's no way to distinguish until it's too late.
Last year, Mary "Unique" Spears, a 27-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed after declining a stranger's advances. And less than two months after promoting an editorial titled "Hey ladies! Catcalls are flattering — deal with it," the New York Post reported a story about a 26-year-old woman having her throat slashed after turning down a stranger's request for a date.
"Women aren't there to put on a show for us. Who wants to be told to smile as they're walking through NYC?" says Jamie. "It's such a creepy thing to go up to a stranger and request."
"You got some fat b*lls? Why don't you jiggle those fat b*lls over here to mommy."
Take a listen to Jamie's (very NSFW) trip into the a world where men get "complimented" below.
3:30
Seriously, though, this has some pretty explicit language, so if
that's not your thing, you might want to pass on this video.
Source: http://www.upworthy.com/think-catcalls-are-compliments-a-music-video-flips-the-script-to-show-why-thats-not-the-case?c=reccon3
1:50
Guy walking around NYC for 10 hours is the street harassment
response for anyone who doesn't get it.
OK sure, this video is a joke. But it's illustrating an important
difference in the way women and men experience street harassment.
What's absolutely not a joke were the reactions of so many who tried
to legitimize the catcalling in the original video. Take a look at
some of the comments from the original video. Goo to:
Source: www.upworthy.com/guy-walking-around-nyc-for-10-hours-is-the-street-harassment-response-for-anyone-who-doesnt-get-it
Lady Gaga's powerful new video shows the
reality of campus sexual assault.
But Gaga's new video isn't the flashy, avant-garde performance art she's usually known for. The video for her latest single, "Till It Happens to You" is the theme song for the documentary "The Hunting Ground," which focuses on the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses and the school administrators who fail to help survivors and/or try to cover it up. (Full disclosure: I was interviewed for the documentary and make a few brief appearances in it.)
1
in 5 women
— and 5% of men — are sexually assaulted during their
college careers. Lady Gaga's new video aims to change that.
"Till It Happens to You" is a powerful message for survivors and non-survivors alike.
In the video, Gaga captures how sexual assault can happen in different ways and that what we think of when we think of sexual assault or rape doesn't quite reflect reality.
The media often portrays sexual assault or rape as something committed by an obviously evil-looking villain who drugs his victims. But in reality, 82% of sexual assaults and 47% of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows and trusts.
And it's a big deal that a major pop star is using her platform to call attention to the fact that sexual assaults don't just happen in darkly-lit back alleys late at night or at alcohol fueled parties.
The video shows that it doesn't matter how assault happens. All survivors need the same thing: support.
All of the survivors in the video struggle with the aftermath of their assaults. To show the impact of the emotional trauma of assault, their thoughts and feelings are written in marker on different body parts.
But when they end up finding comfort in their friends, they transform. They go from shame and self-loathing, to hope and self-love.
Of course, Gaga is right, support is crucial — but it's important to note that everyone handles trauma differently. Just because your friend might not seem to be crying or scared, they still might just need a friend to come and hang out to provide a judgement-free space.
When a friend goes through a traumatic experience, it can be hard to understand what they're feeling. But what you can do is listen.
Showing support for a friend can mean everything from simply telling them "I'm here for you" to actually driving them to the therapist's office (at their request).
The song's chorus talks about how the trauma of rape or sexual assault is something that cannot be truly understood unless you go through it yourself:
Till It happens to you, you don't know how it feels, how it feels
Till it happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real
No, it won't be real, won't know how it feels
But even if you haven't personally experienced it, you can still be there for your friend by believing them and their story. It might seem small, but even something as simple as saying "I believe you" can make a huge difference.
In the video, it's the love and support from their friends that gives the survivors the strength to speak up.
It is common for victims to stay silent. In fact, 95.2% of campus rape victims never report. But the tide is beginning to change, thanks to survivors (like Gaga herself) who are speaking up.
Many survivors have created groups like Carry That Weight and Know Your IX to take action urging schools and the government to stand up and help create safer campuses.
They're sharing their stories. And now it's time for college campuses and the government to listen to what they're saying.
The best way to combat sexual assault is to believe survivors. To stand beside them when they share their stories. To make sure their voices are heard.
Sexual assault isn't just a women's issue. Or a survivor's issue. It's an issue for all of us. And we have to fight it together.
5:25
(Trigger warning for depictions of sexual assault.)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-HOPE (4673)
Source: www.upworthy.com/lady-gagas-powerful-new-video-shows-the-reality-of-campus-sexual-assault?c=reccon3
Alert: evidence of common sense at
Harvard?
But for the moment, don't blink, Harvard has done an astonishing thing. A few days ago, Harvard administrators unveiled a new sexual misconduct policy that gives a nod rather than a wink to due process.
The new policy raises the standard of proof for students who file rape and assault charges, as opposed to the old policy, which more or less allowed a student to accuse another without any evidence. Beginning in the fall, Harvard will ask for what one might expect a school like Harvard to ask for: physical evidence, eyewitnesses and other "sufficient independent corroboration" before they'll investigate a complaint in the university's campus judiciary system.
Absent such details, the school may drop the complaint or refer the accusing student to a district attorney or to a new process the faculty also just approved, called "confidential mediation."
For those who've been paying taxes the past 20 or 30 years - and for whom nearly everything is astonishing these days - things have changed. Back when I was a student oh so long ago, kids were known to take a little drink, smoke a little dope and make a little love over the noise of war protesters. Not that I did any of the above, mind you; I was in the library translating Hippocrates' notes into Modern Greek.
Nowadays, they tell me, kids get really really stoned, really really drunk, and sex is mostly a rape thing. Hence the need for strict policies defining what rape is, how rape happens (usually large quantities of drugs and/or alcohol are involved, and the word "No" sounds a lot like "N'yeth"), and totalitarian rules that stripped the accused of due-process protection.
At most institutions, young men accused by young women were not permitted an attorney, could not face their accuser or cross-examine witnesses. At Columbia University, which caught flak a few years ago for its Stalinist policy, an accused was allowed only to bring a "morale booster," who otherwise had to keep his trap shut.
All of these measures are the gift of the hardest-core feminists, who, in spite of insisting that women are equal to men, depend for their livelihood on the notion that women are helpless victims of predatory men. Follow the money, specifically the federal Violence Against Women Act, and you'll quickly discover that propagating myths of campus rape is a meal ticket for a variety women's advocacy groups. Congressmen who keep funding the Act are either dense or terrified, or possibly both. Jesse Jackson didn't invent the shakedown.
The biggest myth that won't die is that one of four college women is raped on campuses each year. A drop of Harvard's newfound common sense would reveal this claim to be ludicrous. If 25 percent of Daddy's little girls were being sexually assaulted at college, there wouldn't be any girls on campus.
In fact, the figure was based on spurious research, which included a question using the following definition of rape: "Have you had sexual intercourse when you didn't want to because a man gave you alcohol or drugs." Hmmmm. I can count on two hands, no toes, the number of women who would answer "no" to this question. How about this as an answer: "Yes, we drank a few beers and I wasn't in the mood, but I did it anyway."
Rape is a problem, but it isn't close to the epidemic some rape crisis advocates would have us believe. Some campuses report exactly zero rapes in a given year. Others report one or two. Even huge statewide university systems such as California's reported, for example, 13 rapes in 1995, according to the Department of Education's Campus Crime Statistics.
But isn't 13 a lot, even if there are more that may go unreported? Yes, and it's awful. But it's not close to one in four. Such figures might invite scrutiny and preventive measures, but they hardly justify the hysteria and draconian measures that have emerged in recent years.
We can argue all day about the statistics on date rape. Absent physical evidence, which Harvard now demands, he said/she said doesn't work very well, especially when he/she is/are drunk. But even if date rape were epidemic, no crime justifies stripping an accused person of his right to due process. Given the existence of such prejudicial, unfair, totalitarian policies, the really perplexing question is, why are guys still going to college?
Source: Kathleen Parker, kparker@kparker.com
or www.townhall.com/columnists/kathleenparker/kp20020513.shtml
13 Perfect Responses To
Street Harassment
Over the weekend, the Twitter followers of the Everyday Sexism Project shared their most humorous and amusing responses to unwanted attentions. Take a look at our 13 favorites -- hopefully, they'll help you feel a bit more confident in your reaction the next time you encounter street harassment. (So sad. These Neanderthals still exist.)
1. Feign ignorance. A man once pointed out loudly that I have huge boobs. I looked down at them and screamed like I'd never noticed them before
2. Bark Back Last time a man called me a bitch for ignoring his unwelcome advances, I barked at him loudly & repeatedly until he ran away
3. Point out a certain anatomical dilemma. Guy on train after I asked him to move his bag off seat: "Why don't you grab my cock?" Me: "I didn't bring any tweezers."
4. Use what Mother Nature gave you. Man calls out "nice ass" and I just happen to be holding in a fart. Stop, look right at him and let it go.
5. Put your own spin on their advice. "A woman's place is in the kitchen" you know what you're right. Lemme grab a knife.
6. Introduce your harasser to new, like-minded people. A guy kept harrassing me for my phone number so I gave him the number of another sexist, figured they'd have a lot in common
7. Fact-check their statements. Man: "Nice tits." Me: "If you're going to be a sexist pig at least be accurate. I have fantastic breasts." Silence....
8. Direct your harasser to Lost and Found. Maybe they will find what they're looking for there? On train home guy rubs my bum. I grab hand, lift it in the air & say "has anyone lost a hand? I found this one on my arse!"
9. Be honest. "Guy: can't turn a hoe into housewife." "Me: can't turn a misogynist asshole into respectable guy"
10. Attempt to educate. i was riding my bike home + a guy said to his friends "she wants my dick"-about me-so i rode back + lectured them for 10 min
11. Explain how a conversation works. Man glaring at my
boobs. Me: "They don't talk back yknow."
Man: "Excuse me?"
Me: "My breasts. They don't talk back. My face does though"
12. Discuss meal preference. "How do you like you eggs in the morning?" - grim late night pickup attempt. "Unfertilised thanks" (my wittest moment ever)
13. Invoke the late, great Jane Austen. When I get
cat-called I like to go Austen on their ass. "You're fit." "OH SIR!
Finally a man who can take me to the ball!"
(Sorry, I don't get this one.)
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/responses-to-street-harassment_n_4412307.html?utm_hp_ref=women&ir=Women&icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl16%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D417994
These Are The States Where
Students Get Harassed The Most For Their Sexual Orientation
In October, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
(GLSEN), a group that works to make schools safe for lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender students, released its 2013 National School
Climate Survey. On Thursday,
the group released further information about what these survey
results look like by state ,
revealing the varying challenges faced by LGBT students in different
areas of the country.
The
2013 National School Climate Survey
asked almost 8,000 students between the ages of 13 and 21 from all 50
states about the type of environment they face at school. Overall,
the results showed marked improvements from previous years, although
more than 55
percent of those surveyed still reported feeling unsafe at school
because of their sexual orientation .
However, as shown in the state profiles released Thursday, some areas of the country clearly provide friendlier learning environments than others -- although every state has substantial room for improvement. The organization provided results for the 29 states where it had the most data to validate its findings.
The chart
shows where students reported facing the most verbal harassment,
physical harassment and physical assault over their sexual
orientation. (Only 29 states reporting.)
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/13/glsen-survey-by-state_n_6149306.html
Rush Limbaugh Advises
Men How to Sexually Harass Women (Rush is a
pathetic little man for his physical size)
Audio: But there's a way around this, guys. You gotta have fun with this, as you know. So let me offer suggestions. The first suggestion, the first way to deal with this that came into my mind, is you find yourself staring, looking at, casually glancing at a woman, but you know that it's now socially taboo. You shouldn't be doing it, and you think everybody is noticing you doing it and condemning you in their minds. You shouldn't be doing it. So you walk up to the woman and say, "Would you please ask your breasts to stop staring at my eyes?"
Limbaugh suggested that sexual harassment was just part of human nature, saying that the "liberals" behind the study "just despise human nature and try to alter it and change it and create it, because many of them just don't fit in with it in many ways."
It will come as no surprise that Limbaugh doesn't have a problem with sexual harassment. The talk show host has previously claimed that many women who complain about sexual harassment actually wish it would happen to them.
Today's sexual harassment primer was just the latest in Rush Limbaugh's long history of sexist rhetoric about women
Limbaugh on an ongoing rape investigation:
"He's trying to figure out how he can get involved in the deal down there at Duke where the lacrosse team… supposedly, you know, raped some hos."
Limbaugh on feminism:
"Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society."
Limbaugh on sexual harassment:
"Some of these babes, I'm telling you, like the sexual harassment crowd. They're out there protesting what they actually wish would happen to them sometimes."
Limbaugh on the women's movement:
"I love the women's movement — especially when walking behind it."
Limbaugh on longevity:
"Women still live longer than men because their lives are easier."
Limbaugh on breasts and intelligence:
"The larger the bra size, the smaller the IQ."
Limbaugh on chauvinism:
"We're not sexists, we're chauvinists — we're male chauvinist pigs, and we're happy to be because we think that's what men were destined to be. We think that's what women want."
Limbaugh on cats and women:
"My cat comes to me when she wants to be fed....She's smart enough to know she can't feed herself. She's actually a very smart cat. She gets loved. She gets adoration. She gets petted. She gets fed. And she doesn't have to do anything for it, which is why I say this cat's taught me more about women than anything my whole life."
Limbaugh on women's clothing:
"I'll tell you, you women. Why don't you just make it official, put on some burkas and I'll guaran-damn-tee you nobody'll touch you. You put on a burka, and everybody'll leave you alone if that's what you want."
Limbaugh on overweight women:
"Female politicians get a pass on every aspect of their appearance. You would never have stories about how some female politican's fat... There are plenty of lard-ass women in politics, and they get a total pass on it."
Limbaugh on contraceptives:
"So Ms. Fluke, and the rest of you Feminazis, here’s the deal. If we are going to pay for your contraceptives, and thus pay for you to have sex, we want something for it. We want you post the videos online so we can all watch."
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