Since Oct. 5, a mere month and a half ago, thirty men have been outed by women and men for histories of sexual harassment. These men hold powerful roles in our society, from United States politics to pop culture and media. It’s apparent that the power structures created in the male-favored workforce have given these men the confidence to grope, rape and even masturbate in front of women.
It’d be naive to believe that the privilege men have is going to evaporate; nevertheless, the women and men who have spoken out about what happened to them can teach soon-to-be graduates that even if our ranks may be lower, our voices should be louder.
The legality of sexual harassment is tricky, filled with loopholes which can be jumped through with “lack of evidence” and money.
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment includes verbal and physical sexual advances, typically from a person of authority towards a subordinate, which can affect one’s employment status, ability to perform, or create an uncomfortable work environment. Sexual harassment in the workplace violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, however, most sexual harassment cases are lost to quiet settlements or stamped with “no reasonable cause.”
But each of these 30 sexual misconduct cases resulted in some form of repercussion, some lighter than others, for the abuser’s wrongful behaviors. The resignations, cancelations, firings and “cutting of ties with” has made it clear that it’s not okay to sexually force oneself upon a coworker nor anyone else.
Even more interesting than 30 men being punished for their actions, it wasn’t the law that brought light-justice on these men, but instead the courage of the victims to speak up, some after 30 years of burden.
It is the victims coming out of the shadows this past month and speaking out against the maintenance of powerful men in notable positions of Hollywood, politics and media that is proving that in a deeply-webbed society in which the public eye determines if you rise or fall, secrets are hard to keep and justice is harder to buy.
So, as men and women soon to join the male-driven workforce, whether in an office building or on a set, it is essential to remember the strength of one’s voice.
No boss, colleague, interviewer nor other person has the right to another individual’s body or peace of mind. Even if an act or situation is not considered illegal by the actual justice system, wrongful conduct is still wrongful and a sane humanity is out there to fight the good fight.
Reach out, connect, scream to the void until it is heard and it is understood that the structures which allow for the power of some to destroy the safety of others is not dismissible.
