Of Power, Predators and Innocent Mistakes: The Complex Problems of Sexual Harassment
The subsequent fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal has given birth in social media to the #metoo movement in Twitter, as scores of women continue to report on unsavory encounters with men in positions of power, as well as the term “Weinsteining”, to indicate that a sexual harasser or abuser has been outed. Some of the many revelations since the Weinstein incident include the resignation of Roy Price, head of Amazon Studios, over a drunken proposition made to a producer at a social event; political journalist Mark Halperin, accused of harassing junior employees while director of ABC News many years ago; former President George H. Bush, criticized for “good-natured groping” that has been described as innocent by some and as sexual harassment by others; and NPR’s news editor, Mike Oreskes, who resigned earlier this week due to multiple accusations of sexual harassment. The fallout in these cases has been at minimum a loss of reputation and public embarrassment, and at worst, loss of livelihood from lost income and lawsuits. The national conversation in the media has had some dissension in the ranks, with many agreeing that there’s no question on the seriousness of long-term sexual misconduct in the cases of Mark Halperin and Harvey Weinstein, while others have pointed out that some of the accused offensive behaviors were a one-time minor incident which did not involve exploitation or job retaliation, often happening in group social situations where the majority present were under the influence of alcohol. The NPR writer who reported the in-house story wrote that the incidents, when “taken as a group…painted an ominous picture, but….when viewed in isolation…may not appear so consequential” – while another NPR editor admitted to being confused as to whether what happened over dinner was truly sexual harassment. Some have questioned the appropriate response to be made in an entire spectrum of inappropriate behavior, with the possibility of overreaction leading to witch hunts over behavior that is not criminal, even if not admirable. Still others would rather have a “better safe than sorry” approach for everyone in the workplace, where while it’s difficult to avoid currying favor with those with perceived power differentials, an atmosphere where continuous “micro-aggressions” (comments and behavior based on attraction) are allowed can belittle a women’s feeling of value in the workplace.
See "Of Power, Predators and Innocent Mistakes: The Complex Problems of Sexual Harassment", James Doubek, NPR, November 6, 2017