Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Are About Power and Not About Sex

[dlk]

Sexual harassment and assault are the ultimate acts of putting women and girls "in their place." Many false rationalizations based on culture and/or religion are used as weapons against victims, but the truth remains. Sexual harassment and assault are all about keeping women subservient. It makes perfect sense that politicians, who often seek office for the power it brings, would be frequent perpetrators.

[Merlot]

1. Yes, that needs to be pointed out more often.

To many people think it's about "attraction" or sex when it's about power abuse. It's why the abusers pick on someone they have power over - usually job /fiancial security. Maybe they also can't stand the thought of a woman being successful.

Which, on a side rant, is why I find the Al Franken thing stupid. He was not in a position of power over the woman in the picture, he was not her employer and he wasn't a senator. He was a comedian, and a boorish idiot to participate in that picture. Am tired of seeing this grouped in with cosby, weinstein, ect.

It's about the power. About the ability to "take what they want" even if what they want is someone elses body.

[Demsrule86]

2. Yeah and let's not forget the ADA who use their power to try to rape little girls like Moore.

[alarimer]

3. I agree, which is why these conversations are important.

Even if it feels silly complaining about a joke or some inappropriate comment at work, say. We have to teach everyone to think before they speak and also to speak up where they see or experience something that seems wrong. No one should suffer or have to quit a job just to get away from it.

I do think there are degrees of seriousness and any punishment needs to fit the crime, so to speak. For some things an apology is appropriate. For others, firing is appropriate and they SHOULD suffer career consequences.