COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Since the alleged sexual misconduct allegations surrounding movie producer Harvey Weinstein came to light, there has been an increase in sexual harassment allegations posted on social media and discussed on the news.
The New York Times published their annual “Person of the Year” article, but they recognized a movement instead of a person, focusing on “The Silence Breakers” and the popular Twitter hashtag “#MeToo.”
The article highlighted the individuals who set off a national reckoning over the prevalence of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and the workplace. The media has brought to light the buried stories of men and women who have found a new sense of courage, and overwhelming amounts of support, to come out with their experiences.
I have noticed, many of my favorite TV shows in the past relate their storylines to current social events. I have recently become obsessed with a new TV drama called, “The Good Doctor.” During the fall finale, a female residency student named Claire Browne is assigned to work a medical procedure with a new male doctor who touches her lower back while attending to their patient. When Claire tries to remove herself from the doctor’s supervision, she is faced with doubt and disdain from her male colleague. Instead of receiving concern and support, she was accused of overreacting and misreading the doctor’s actions for building rapport. Claire’s concern wasn’t taken seriously, until the situation finally escalated into a blatant act of sexual harassment and a threat of losing her job.
Toward the end of the show, Claire explains to her colleague that she didn’t want to go to human resources because her reputation would forever be tainted in the workplace. The disregard and downplay of Claire’s concern is a common reason why men and women shy away from reporting sexual harassment in the workplace: fear of reprisal and a tarnished reputation.
When I think about the Air Force culture and my upbringing as a military child, it’s hard to imagine harassment in general would ever be an issue. As Airmen, we are consistently told to respect one another and that disrespect of any form will not be tolerated, but despite hearing this policy, harassment remains to be an issue.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, sharing sexually inappropriate images and videos, making sexual comments about one’s appearance, asking questions about someone’s sexual history or love life or having a conversation of a sexual nature while a third party over hears. Harassment in the workplace is hard to believe until you have had firsthand experience, but when approached by a co-worker, associate, or a friend, your reaction matters.
Support can be the difference between a victim seeking justice, or suffering in silence. It is my hope, that the increased awareness and activism against harassment of all forms, will finally break the silence forever, and all individuals can feel safe and respected within their workplace.