LA Times, November, 1, 2017 “Weinsteining Gone Too Far.” I heard the author, Cathy Young, interviewed on public radio (presumably, as I heard it in a store) and was outraged by what she said & now by the article. www.latimes.com/...
Wieseltier (New Republic Leon Wieseltier-my insert) is not accused of sexual assault or coercion but of what Michelle Cottle, writing in the Atlantic, calls “low-level lechery”: sexualized comments, from compliments on a tight outfit to banter during work-related conversations, and unwanted kisses — mostly on the cheek or forehead, on a few occasions on the lips.
WTF? Lechery of any type is NOT OK. Unwanted kisses are not ok! Sexualized comments are not ok. This is not locker-room banter or boys will be boys. This is sexual harassment. Why is it that women do not think of men as ‘objects’ as in saying to their faces, “well, you sure look well-hung,” or “you have buns of steel,” or “can you take off your shirt so I can see those gorgeous pecs?” Why do men think it is OK to make similar statements to women?
Several journalists with whom I discussed Wieseltier’s downfall agreed that while his reported conduct was inappropriate and gross, the punishment seemed grossly excessive. “I don’t think a person’s life should be ruined over this,” said a millennial female journalist who isn’t inclined to cut sexual predators any slack.
WTF? What about a woman’s life who may be seriously affected by comments like these? Especially since we know that these comments by this ONE man were not the only comments she received. How many times/day does a woman experience sexualized comments or ‘low level lechery?’ That was my first thought when I heard these outrageous remarks in the interview—is it ok for a woman’s life to be affected for YEARS simply because it is low-level lechery not outright rape?
...there is little doubt that many women enjoy some degree of sexual interaction in their work lives. Can anyone claim with a straight face that women do not initiate flirting, ribald humor and sexually themed chitchat in the workplace, just as men do? Much of this behavior is welcome or harmless; some of it can be unwanted and obnoxious.
The article closes with the need for nuance between abuse, bad behavior (huh? Mine) and miscommunication. The article is a quick read and includes more points of view than I can do here. Not sure how much of the article I am allowed to post.
I am so upset, I can’t write anything else now. Looking forward to comments!