this is a man’s world
Men know when they are abusing their position of authority. I know it. You know it. But it hasn’t stopped an inordinate amount of clap-trap being spoken about the recent emergence of sexual harassment and humiliation claims. Why did these young women go to Harvey’s lair in the first place? Why did they accept that dinner invitation? What was the appeal of Michael Fallon’s undivided attention? Why didn’t such-and-such speak out earlier? Why did they stay with that company? Why didn’t she resign or at least stand-up for herself?
The point I’m making Is that the vast amount of coverage appears to level these questions, inherent criticisms, at the victim as opposed to the perpetrator. The finger of blame is pointed directly at, largely, women. By implication the questions are directing the guilt at the victim, like it’s their fault and their problem. And nothing could be further from the truth.
Contrary to popular opinion, this is not a complicated subject. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite, it’s very, very simple: it’s about power and it’s about having the power of authority over another person. This can then lead to an abuse of the relationship and subsequently to coercion, harassment, humiliation and abuse of all kinds. A directive or request from an individual in authority carries a certain power of obligation that wouldn’t if it came from a peer or underling. When made by a senior individual it either implicitly or explicitly carries the tone of an order to be complied with. And by turn, if denied, there are obviously negative connotations. Do this or else you will be demoted. Do this or you won’t get that part. Do this or you will be sacked.
If there is one good thing that comes out from this whole affair it’s that ‘no meaning no’ will be reiterated again and again until it’s seared upon the mind of every abuser. When it comes to the touchy subject of sexual harassment the problem is not you, ladies, it’s us! Sadly, as James Brown told us many decades ago, this remains a man’s world.
