News Is the Definition of Sexual Harassment Too Narrow in Today's Workplace?

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The discussion centers on the evolving definition of sexual harassment in the workplace, highlighting concerns about the implications of recent allegations and the perceived polarization of workplace dynamics. A male employee received a vague warning regarding potential sexual harassment, despite no formal complaint being made, raising questions about due process and civil rights. Participants debate whether women's provocative attire invites inappropriate male reactions and whether men are unfairly judged for their responses. The conversation also touches on the legal landscape, suggesting that while laws apply equally, societal perceptions may favor women in harassment cases. Overall, the dialogue reflects a complex interplay of gender dynamics, workplace conduct, and legal interpretations surrounding sexual harassment.
  • #31
motai said:
It reminds me of when an honest guy compliments a girl on her dress and ends up being branded as a pervert.
You can say "nice dress" and have it sound complimentary or derogatory. A lot has to do with body language, tone of voice and facial expresions. Unfortunately, all of these things can be all too easily misinterpreted.

My former boss used to surprise me at work with flowers all of the time, buy me gifts, take me out to lunch, always commenting on how pretty I looked. My boss was female so no one thought anything of it, she just liked to make me and the others feel appreciated. If she had been male, the entire office would have talked about it.
 
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  • #32
JohnDubYa said:
Only if he's ugly or old. If it's Brad Pitt...
Sure, how would it work for you JohnDubYa?

But I don't think a guy should be sued unless he's gotten a clear message to stop and continues with his behaviour. I've known bordercases, where I didn't think to much of it, but a male colleague almost blew a fuse..

Some things are just not appropriate, it gets tricky when you want to define a boundary.
 
  • #33
Evo said:
You can say "nice dress" and have it sound complimentary or derogatory. A lot has to do with body language, tone of voice and facial expresions. Unfortunately, all of these things can be all too easily misinterpreted.

My former boss used to surprise me at work with flowers all of the time, buy me gifts, take me out to lunch, always commenting on how pretty I looked. My boss was female so no one thought anything of it, she just liked to make me and the others feel appreciated. If she had been male, the entire office would have talked about it.

Does she have a mullet? :eek:
 
  • #34
JohnDubYa said:
Only if he's ugly or old. If it's Brad Pitt...


Very true. If an attractive male made a passing comment then it would be taken as a compliment but if an ugly man did he would be a "pervert".

However it does work the other way. If I were hit on by an attractive co-worker, I would accept the compliments and enjoy the attention. But if I were hit on by an unnattractive co-worker... I'd probably just ignore her like I ignore the customers I hate.. :-p
 
  • #35
dduardo said:
Does she have a mullet? :eek:
:smile: :smile: No.
 
  • #36
jimmy p said:
Very true. If an attractive male made a passing comment then it would be taken as a compliment but if an ugly man did he would be a "pervert".

However it does work the other way. If I were hit on by an attractive co-worker, I would accept the compliments and enjoy the attention. But if I were hit on by an unnattractive co-worker... I'd probably just ignore her like I ignore the customers I hate.. :-p
That's terrible :mad: :eek:
and the worse is that you seem aware of it. If an unattractive girl compliment or be nice to me, I would be glad as well.
 
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  • #37
I think he is admitting to reality.
 
  • #38
jimmy p said:
But if I were hit on by an unnattractive co-worker... I'd probably just ignore her like I ignore the customers I hate.. :-p

The point here, is that you surely wouldn't haul her ass to court.

Now, was that inappropriate language ?
 
  • #39
There is a difference between a compliment and sexual harassment..
 
  • #40
Monique said:
There is a difference between a compliment and sexual harassment..

There is? With so many court cases flying about it kinda makes me think twice before complimenting someone.

Or maybe I am exaggerating a little bit.
 
  • #41
Hey everyone

Just joined..

Thought this is a 'cut and dry' case, but isn't frm the looks of it. It's interesting how different gents and ladies see this topic. I agree SH is about body language, tone, etc. But it's also about CONSISTENCY. 'Harrassment' refers to unwanted behaviour from another party on an ongoing basis. If the behaviour is derogatory or defaming is irrelevant when applying it to everyone. It basically cmes down to whether or not the person 'reciprocates' - returns the behaviour - or does not. Interesting stuff. Weird how we need laws to handle such a basic human right - the right to behaviour and the right to refusal of that behaviour.
 
  • #42
donnie said:
I agree SH is about body language, tone, etc. But it's also about CONSISTENCY. 'Harrassment' refers to unwanted behaviour from another party on an ongoing basis.
good you joined donnie! :smile:

I think that is a good definition too, I really have no knowledge about the court cases.. a guy surely can't be sued for making a compliment, right? I know, some people have dollar signs in their eyes and will sue for about anything..
 
  • #43
It's unfair if someone is sued for any type of verbalisation, no matter how crude it is. And it's an even more unfair system of justice that will allow that case to take place. Just think, I can hall Brad Pitt into court for just saying a swear word to the camera in a movie I saw last week at the cinema! Or I can sue the taxi driver that swore at me when I cut in front of him yesterday...

But that's on the face of it. There's something called 'extenuating circumstances' (keys are slippery!). These circumstances are what the case is really based on. Like the cnsistency of the undesired behaviour and the effects of that behaviour on the receiving person.
 
  • #44
donnie said:
Hey everyone

I agree SH is about body language, tone, etc. But it's also about CONSISTENCY. 'Harrassment' refers to unwanted behaviour from another party on an ongoing basis. If the behaviour is derogatory or defaming is irrelevant when applying it to everyone.

this is a very valid point that so many of us overlooked! a comment that was well intended but mistook shouldn't be immediate consideration of sexual harrassment...
 
  • #45
JohnDubYa said:
Only if he's ugly or old. If it's Brad Pitt...

Heck, you don't even need to be Brad Pitt. I've hit on plenty of co-workers, and all of them went out with me at least once or twice. Only one was under my supervision, though. I'd say the best way is to just be as upfront as possible. Offer a ride home or a post-work drink, and then make your move. Don't do it at work.
 

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