LIVE24SEVEN // Feature V I EWS – WI TH SANDR A PAUL Unbelievable!
Sandra Paul looks at the continuous problem of sexual harassment in the workplace
The uproar created by Harvey Weinstein over the allegations of rape and sexual assault has sparked a big debate globally about the misuse of power by men.
Weinstein has tried to minimise the fallout by attributing his behaviour to ‘sex addiction' as though he is the victim who deserves sympathy because it is not his fault he has this disease. The awful thing about this case is the fact the abusive behaviour was an open secret in Hollywood and not openly commented about because of his dominant position.
Comedian Seth MacFarlane made a revealing joke at the 2013 Oscars: “Congratulations," he said, "You five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein."
There is a pattern of alleged abuse here. Young women attempting to have careers and climb the ladder of success were targeted.
If spurned or challenged by the women, Weinstein would hit back with venom, threatening to jeopardise the career of the young women who dared to deny him.
His pathetic retort – that these incidents were ‘consensual' - is laughable. What sane person thinks the fat, balding, Shrek-like monster could seriously attract the most beautiful women in the world?
Examples of his behaviour aren't limited to the film industry but are endemic to all parts of work where men dominate. It is not, in my view, necessarily a sexual thing – much of the time it is actually about bullying and making sure the woman ‘knows her place'.
I've read many articles written by men and women who have harangued the countless women who failed to go to the police or indeed make it public at the time of their assault.
I spoke to lots of my friends about sexual harassment in the workplace, and all but one had experienced it. All of them acknowledged it was horrifying at the time, but they had learned mechanisms to deal with it. They all conceded that they had not made a formal complaint about it because they believed this was part and parcel of being a woman in the workplace. "Why bother telling anyone?" "Nothing will change." "My career was on the line." "I didn’t want a reputation as a troublemaker."
In my twenties, I had to leave two jobs because of the treatment I was experiencing from the Directors in charge. The first time I resigned because I thought it was more comfortable than rebuffing his advances on a daily basis and experiencing his anger and bullying because I wouldn't submit. The very next job I took, the same thing happened, again on a regular basis. It was as simple and ‘innocent’ as the married boss insisting on a cuddle and kiss on the cheek each time he saw me. Except it gave him an opportunity to have a good squeeze. To refuse was petty right? After a while, I made a formal complaint because I didn't want the physical contact all the time. The response eventually came back that if I didn't continue accepting his behaviour I would not get his support and help in my career. Apparently, he was doing this because he saw potential in me.
This man was 'God', and the senior men working beneath him would not stand up to him. Were they complicit in perpetuating this behaviour (I know I wasn't the only woman to receive his ‘special' attention)? I would say no. We all experienced his bullying in different ways. Inevitably, to further my career, I had no choice but to leave.
It is unbelievable that in 2017 we are still acknowledging that this behaviour is widespread. It also does not end when women reach their 30s, 40s or 50s as some might expect. The bullying turns from sexual tones to mocking about menopause or pregnancy. I was once ordered by another boss to arrive at a restaurant early so I could hide my pregnancy bump under the tablecloth. God forbid the clients should discover I was with child!
Just because Hollywood is making a storm about Weinstein does not mean that the behaviour of some powerful men in positions of power will change in other industries. All my friends agreed – suck it up or leave.
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Sandra Paul
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