I have posted several articles written by others, which highlight sexual harassment accusations made against powerful people across many industries, including Banking and Finance, Entertainment, Politics, Media and other industries too numerous to mention.
For those who don’t know what constitutes sexual harassment, here is an abridged definition: Harassment (typically of a woman) in a workplace, or other professional or social situation, involving the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks.
That pretty much nails it down for all to understand. But there is a caveat, which also must be considered and it is that it is not limited to denigrating women. Men have been known to be harassed, as well. But, this a rarity.
Just because someone is in a powerful position, or even one who is a perfunctory supervisor, does not give license for that person to make advances to those who they control. Yes, we have heard all there is to hear about Harvey Weinstein and Bill O’Reilly and Mike Cagney and their exploits. Just this week, we heard that Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman and even former President George HW Bush were accused of this crime of violating personal space of other women and men.
Even someone who has aided and abetted the perpetrator in his or her crimes is as guilty as the perpetrator. Worse probably.
Millions, and maybe billions, of dollars have been paid to silence the victims, provided they sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s) while accepting the payment of hush money. By doing so, they allowed the same perpetrators to commit the same crime again against other unsuspecting victims freely and without controls.
But, others also decided to keep silent, without this settlement bonus so that their careers would not be impacted. This includes Ashley Judd, Megan Kelly and others. They are as guilty of allowing the perp to go after other victims unrestrained for fear THEIR careers would be shattered, as much as those who took the money.
There have been times when someone may have told a joke or showed a cartoon which would be humorous or outright hysterical in a nightclub or in your living room. But, it is totally inappropriate in a place of business. And just so there is no misunderstanding of the definition of business, here are two pretty definite examples of “business”: 1. person's regular occupation, profession, or trade and, 2. the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce.
The problem now, as I see it, is this: Because of all the actual offensive acts, comments, etc., that have been reported lately, will an actual touch of tenderness and friendship on someone’s arm or shoulder, or a caring hug to comfort someone now be taken as “sexual harassment”? I surely hope not. I would hope we could make the distinction between wanton aggressive behavior and an act of humanity.
Here are some final words to all people in those powerful positions you worked so hard to achieve: If you wouldn’t want someone to touch your son or daughter inappropriately, or say something that you know is lewd and disgusting, remember that other parents would not want you to grope or create fear in theirs. If you think you are above scrutiny, karma always has a funny way to make sure it all comes out even. It isn’t the money, folks; it is your reputation, which is the ONLY thing you truly control in this life.
Don’t blow it. The better part of valor is to keep your lewd words and groping hands to yourself. And then, your reputation will definitely be secure.
Frank McHale is the Chief Operations Officer of Madison Avenue Social
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